Ireland legend joins Meyer's staff
NEWS: Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell was named as forwards coach at French Top 14 giants Stade Francais to work alongside head coach and former Springboks boss Heyneke Meyer.
Lock forward O’Connell, who made 108 appearances for Ireland and played seven times for the British and Irish Lions, has signed a two-year deal at Stade with an option for a third.
“I am really happy to join Stade Francais and to be able to work at a big club with Heyneke Meyer,” said the 38-year-old O’Connell who ended his playing career in 2015.
O’Connell will share his duties as forwards coach with Pieter de Villiers who played as prop at Stade from 1995-2008.
“I am really delighted to welcome Paul to the Stade Francais family,” said Meyer.
“Paul will bring his experience to our coaching team through his proven leadership abilities and his tactical and technical skills. This is a major asset for the club and it shows our ambitions.”
Stade narrowly escaped relegation from the Top 14 last season but with Swiss billionaire Hans-Peter Wild bankrolling the club, there have been a number of top signings including French internationals Gael Fickou and Yoann Maestri as well as Argentina playmaker Nicolas Sanchez.
Agence France-Presse
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