Tributes have already begun to roll in for Paul O'Connell who announced his retirement from professional rugby on medical advice.
The 36-year-old retired from Test rugby after Ireland's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, but had missed the last-eight clash after tearing his hamstring in the pool-stage victory over France.
O'Connell had always planned to trade home province Munster for Toulon and retire from international rugby after the World Cup, but that autumn injury has now denied him a club swansong with the French giants.
Brian O'Driscoll, who stood alongside O'Connell for many of Irish rugby's greatest days insisted that the former Munster skipper was 'simply irreplaceable".
Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016
Former Ireland internationals Rob Henderson and Bernard Jackman were both effusive in their praise of O'Connell, with Henderson claiming that even and unfit O'Connell would still be good enough for most teams.
Sad that @Paul_OConnell has been forced to retire. Incredible career and great man. Would still make most teams on 1 leg! #ThanksPaulie
— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) February 9, 2016
Pity that Paul O'Connell didn't get to chose his exit from playing but fitting he finished in Green competing & leading as always #Legend
— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) February 9, 2016
Munster Rugby were also swift to praise O'Connell, thanking him for a "magnificent and trailblazing" career,while former Wales and British and Irish Lions player Gethin Jenkins insists it was a "pleasure to share the same field".
Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby. #ThanksPaulie for a magnificent & trailblazing career! pic.twitter.com/C1yxiWU4uA
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016
Sad to see @Paul_OConnell retire, but what a legend on and off the field. Pleasure to share the same field with and against him.
— gethin jenkins (@gethinjenkins1) February 9, 2016
There were many from outside the game of rugby, including Paul McGrath and Henry Sheflin, who also wanted to commend O'Connell for an impressive sporting career.
So sad to hear of your retirement @Paul_OConnell thanks for all the memories, you will be missed , take care my friend !
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) February 9, 2016
All the best to @Paul_OConnell on his retirement. True inspirational person& leader throughout his sporting career#respect
— Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) February 9, 2016
