This means that he has played his last game for Ireland as he will retire from international rugby. Distraught Irish fans literally got the fear of God put into them when the news came out that he will require surgery on his hamstring. Fans have been paying tribute to the talismanic captain on Twitter using the hashtag #ThanksPaulie
Here's a selection of great memories and tributes to Paulie. Someone is suggesting a standing ovation in the 5th minute of the Argentina game:
@rugbyworldcup @Paul_OConnell Respect & best wishes for a full recovery. My wife put you on our son's birthday cake! pic.twitter.com/VwqBr9LA6x
— John Delaney (@john_p_d) October 13, 2015
Brian O'Driscoll paid tribute:
This is so wrong on many levels. One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational. https://t.co/8blR5e2tJp
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) October 13, 2015
As did Ronan O'Gara:
My sadness is tinged with absolute pride having spent 16 years with one of Rugby's greatest competitors. #gentleman #Leader #1ofakind
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) October 13, 2015
Paul O'Connell. That is all. #Inspiration
— John Duggan (@jduggantodayfm) October 13, 2015
Always led from the front! #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/vABYsnQTd9
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) October 13, 2015
A trailblazer for @IrishRugby He gave everything for green #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/FCpz0rlSJJ
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 13, 2015
Out of all the rugby players I've interviewed - none have been as charming as Paul O'Connell - a fine ambassador for his sport #IREvARG
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) October 13, 2015
#ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/4WFawukuGi
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 29, 2015
One reader suggested this to us and we think it's a great idea. #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/52Qex6ragF
— The42.ie (@The42_ie) October 13, 2015
Scored a try in his first Six Nations match. Scored a try in his last Six Nations match. #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/diwmpiN3WX
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 13, 2015
