WATCH: Paul O'Connell had a few choice words for a young Owen Farrell in 2013

British and Irish Lions

by Rugby Rucker

Saturday, 03 September 2016 at 08:10

byRugby Rucker

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Paul O'Connell has long been known for his inspirational words. Having toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2005, 2009 & 2013 - O'Connell has always one of the main voices on and off the pitch.

Paul O'Connell picks his five nailed-on Lions, including surprise captain

5. Maro Itoje (England)

Age: 26
Club: Saracens
Position: Second-row/Blindside-flanker

O'Connell said: “He is obviously a world-class athlete, he is a phenomenal second-row forward. I like watching him play. I’m surprised he doesn’t give away more penalties than he does but he is always pushing the limits around the ruck, around the offside line. Brilliant at collapsing mauls, brilliant at stopping teams mauling.”

DID YOU KNOW? So far in his rugby career, he has won four English Premiership titles with Saracens, three European Rugby Champions Cup titles, and three Six Nations Championship titles.

4. James Ryan (Ireland)

Age: 24
Club: Leinster
Position: Second-row

O'Connell said: "There are certain players can do certain things but there are very few that can do it all and he can do it all. He is nailed on for me."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the Great Grandson of Irish Politician and Easter Rising Revolutionary James Ryan

3. Owen Farrell (England)

Age: 29
Club: Saracens
Position: Centre/Fly-half

O'Connell said: “I like Owen Farrell. He’s a real standout leader for me. With matches being played without crowds, you can hear so much of what the players are saying during games. You can hear Owen barking at his own players and encouraging them."

DID YOU KNOW? Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

2. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Age: 28
Club: Leinster
Position: Tighthead-prop

O'Connell said: “Furlong is still, for me, the best tighthead in the world.”

DID YOU KNOW? Furlong comes from a farming family in the parish of Horeswood in County Wexford

1. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Age: 28
Club: Exeter Chiefs
Position: Fullback

O'Connell said: “Hogg has taken his game to another level again with Exeter. I hope this tour can be a redemption for him after what happened in 2017.”

DID YOU KNOW? In 2012, following his Scotland debut, he discovered he was a distant relative of George Best.