Latest news with #PaulO'Connell
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Cian Tracey: Summer tour will shine a light on next generation of Irish rugby talent
Opportunity knocks, as interim head coach Paul O'Connell prepares to name his squad for games in Georgia and Portugal This weekend's URC quarter-finals will make for uncomfortable viewing for Connacht and Ulster, who are left to rue their poor seasons – the effects of which will be felt next year too after both provinces failed to qualify for the Champions Cup. Not competing at the business end of the league campaign also means that certain Ireland hopefuls will miss out on what would have been a final opportunity to stake their claim for inclusion on the upcoming summer tour to Georgia and Portugal.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Paul O'Connell interview: ‘The way we finished the Six Nations with two poor performances, that does make you ask questions'
Paul O'Connell is sitting in a coaches' box, smiling as he watches the last of the 300 kids who were lucky enough to play at the Aviva Stadium, as part of Aldi's Play Rugby initiative.
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
The Paul O'Connell interview – ‘Some day I might wake up and feel I want to be a head coach but it hasn't happened yet'
Paul O'Connell is sitting in a coaches' box, smiling as he watches the last of the 300 kids who were lucky enough to play at the Aviva Stadium, as part of Aldi's Play Rugby initiative.
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Paul O'Connell and Beibhinn Parsons meet young Co Wicklow students
Students from Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin in Merrymeeting, Rathnew, joined over 300 boys and girls from 17 primary schools for the annual Aldi Play Rugby National Festival at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday, April 30. Irish rugby stars and Aldi Play Rugby ambassadors, Paul O'Connell, Linda Djougang and Beibhinn Parsons were among the legends on hand to inspire, challenge and cheer on the students as they took to the hallowed turf and stepped into the boots of their rugby heroes. The non-contact primary schools rugby programme was developed by the Irish Rugby Football Union and supported by Aldi. It offers primary school students a safe and fun introduction to rugby and aims to encourage children to get active, participate in regular exercise and eat healthily. Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell commented: 'It was a joy to share the pitch with the future stars of tomorrow and experience their energy and enthusiasm for the sport. 'Programmes like Aldi Play Rugby are vital in building the future of Irish rugby and it's fantastic to see Aldi continuing to invest in the sport at grassroots level. Bring on next year!'
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Future rugby stars from Drogheda shine at Aviva Stadium
The festival was part of the ALDI Play Rugby programme, a non-contact primary schools rugby initiative run by the IRFU and supported by ALDI, aimed at introducing young children to rugby in a fun, safe environment. Pupils from the Drogheda school joined their peers in a day of matches, drills and team activities, all designed to encourage physical activity, healthy eating. Schools are provided with access to invaluable resources including sessions with Community Rugby Officers, online coaching and equipment. Irish rugby legends and ALDI Play Rugby ambassadors, Paul O'Connell, Linda Djougang and Beibhinn Parsons were in attendance to lend their support and inspire, challenge and cheer on the students as they took to the hallowed turf and stepped into the boots of their rugby heroes. The programme has been a huge success with hundreds of schools across Ireland taking part. As Official Fresh Food Partner to the IRFU until 2028, ALDI will continue to offer meaningful investment and support to ALDI Play Rugby, ensuring that children all over Ireland are given the opportunity to get involved in rugby and encouraged to embrace healthy habits. Speaking about the festival, Paul O'Connell, ALDI Play Rugby Ambassador and former Ireland captain, said: 'The ALDI Play Rugby Festival is always a wonderful event, and this year was no different. It was a joy to share the pitch with the future stars of tomorrow and experience their energy and enthusiasm for the sport. Programmes like ALDI Play Rugby are vital in building the future of Irish rugby and it's fantastic to see ALDI continuing to invest in the sport at grassroots level. Bring on next year!'
