We knew we would never see him in green again, but to never see him truck up a rugby ball full-stop?
Nobody wanted Paul O'Connell's last act on a rugby field to be the brave rucking that led to a devastating hamstring injury, but the inspirational former Ireland and Munster captain today
confirmed his playing days are over.
There will be no swansong in the south of France with Toulon, no more thundering tackles and no more inspirational carries.
Its all over.
Understandably there was much shock, much love and much appreciation on Twitter. From the great and good of the game, to the fans who enjoyed Paulie from afar.
Players and teams show respect
https://twitter.com/BrianODriscoll/status/697000067757142016
https://twitter.com/Gordonwdarcy/status/697000059955761152
https://twitter.com/martynewilliams/status/697003555878785024
https://twitter.com/bernardjackman/status/697006240434679808
https://twitter.com/shanebyrneoffic/status/697003060342685696
https://twitter.com/nick_easter/status/697003926604947456
https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/697001193793593344
https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/697000023989551104
https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/696999368587612162
https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/697003464270938112
https://twitter.com/NoraStapleton/status/697000275094142976https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/697001082875179008
https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/697001082875179008
Supporters from across the globe got in the act
https://twitter.com/redjim83/status/696999720242319360
https://twitter.com/robcampbell10/status/697003719892799490
https://twitter.com/JudgeRugby/status/697003591521996800
https://twitter.com/Jimmy_Roberts10/status/696999569859727360
https://twitter.com/ssidobre/status/696999500863381504
https://twitter.com/DmitriWall/status/696999487374495745
https://twitter.com/alanowens_limk/status/697000140842921984
https://twitter.com/JohnMoynes/status/697000125324005376
https://twitter.com/Matthew1Davies/status/697001902312189953
