Ben Te’o’s gushing praise of Donncha O’Callaghan says so much

The Cork man has a wealth of experience.

We may not see as much as Donncha O'Callaghan as we used to because the former Munster and Ireland legend is currently playing his professional rugby abroad. What can be said is that whenever he wore the red or green jersey, he always emptied the tank and gave it absolutely everything. Because of his infectious personality and humourous nature, it is easy to forget that O'Callaghan is a damn fine rugby player who takes his profession incredibly seriously. He is also a leader and has a huge level of experience. These two attributes are a huge asset to any team or set-up and it seems like his current club, Worcester Warriors, are reaping the benefits of this. O'Callaghan is out of contract with the English club in the summer but one of the club's most high-profile players, Ben Te'o, is hoping that the Christian Brothers College alumnus will be offered a position to remain at the club.

“I am not sure what’s happening next year with him," Te'o said in quotes attributed to Worcester News.  "I would love him to stay around because I think he’s a really impressive captain."

O'Callaghan has played very well since David Gold, the club's new Director of Rugby, arrived with the Warriors at the end of January. Te'o describes the attributes which make him captain material.

"Donners is a very good captain. "Donners is very impressive when he talks and has a wealth of experience. He has many caps for Ireland, been with the British Lions and on winning teams. He knows what a winning team looks like." 

It seems like the arrival of Gold has led to O'Callaghan taking on more of a leadership role as Te'o reveals the 38-year-old is beginning to have more of say in how things are run in training and in games.

“I think before he was just sitting back and letting other people run it but now he’s running it, he’s doing a really good job."

What O'Callaghan decides to do next season is entirely up to him. But based on his performances, especially in the latter part of this season, you would imagine there would be no shortage of suitors if the Warriors decided not to offer him a new contract.