RIGHT up there as one of the best second rows in the world, Paul O’Connell is one of the first names on an Ireland teamsheet.

The Limerick man, educated at Ard Scoil Rís is a world class lineout jumper and a forward of immense power and presence.

A B&I LionsTest player in 2005 and captain in 2009, O’Connell scored a try on his Ireland debut against Wales in February 2002.

O’Connell’s six-try tally includes the last ever Test try scored at the old Lansdowne Road.

An IRB World Player of the Year nominee in 2006, he also skippered Munster to Heineken Cup glory in May 2008 and the Magners League title in 2009 and again in 2011.