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22nd December 2016
05:29pm GMT

This role seemed to initially consist of running workshops to academy players in relation to goal-setting and lifestyle planning.
He also advised the young players in areas where he excelled at during his career such as breakdown work, lineout jumping, rucking and mauling.
Elite Player Development Officer, Greig Oliver, mentioned to munsterrugby.ie in October that the mere presence of O'Connell results in a step-up in intensity from the academy players:
"We've also had Paul O'Connell out on the field in the last few weeks and it's noticeable how the intensity steps up when he is there. Paul has been excellent working with both players and coaches on and off the field and is approachable, yet also intense when he needs to be, and that's a nice balance to have."Now it seems O'Connell is taking the next step as he will be the assistant coach for the Munster U20 Development side alongside Oliver as they take on an Ireland U20 selection in Thomond Park at the end of the month. It's great to see O'Connell take the next step as a coach and we hope it is the beginning of a long and successful career.
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