Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has been named as Stade Francais’ new forwards coach ahead of the 2018/19 Top 14 season.
After retiring from playing in 2016, the 38-year-old joined the Ireland age-grade set up as assistant coach in December 2017, helping them during the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.
O’Connell has now decided to take up the offer from Stade and will coach alongside former team-mate Mike Prendergast, who is in charge of the backs.
Former South Africa boss Heyneke Meyer is the head honcho at the French outfit, while O’Connell’s presence will increase the number of Irishmen plying their trade in the capital, with full-back Simon Zebo now at Racing 92.
✍☘ Le @SFParisRugby est fier d’annoncer l’arrivée de @Paul_OConnell au poste d’entraineur des avants (spécialiste de la touche). Welcome to Paris Paul !#PinkArmy #TousParisiens #OConnellEstRose #WelcomePaul #SFParis pic.twitter.com/x2os7SSqVb
— Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) August 3, 2018