3. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
When he stopped playing, he was Ireland’s third most-capped player (108) and the eighteenth most-capped international player in rugby union history. During his career, O’Connell captained Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He is now a rugby pundit and commentator for BBC Sport.
Paul O’Connell facts:
- The lock was given the Freedom of Limerick City in 2012
- O’Connell was awarded Irish Sports Book of the Year in 2016 for The Battle
- He was good at swimming as a child and only turned to rugby at the age of 16
- O’Connell scored eight tries and played 108 Tests for Ireland from 2002 to 2015
- He played on three British & Irish Lions tours and captained the team for the 2009 tour to South Africa. Overall, he played seven Tests across the 2005, 2009 and 2013 tours.