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Paul O'Connell has established himself as one of the best second-row forwards in the world in recent years. His tough, uncompromising style, which is complemented with mobility, destructive ball carrying and great line-out jumping skills have made O'Connell a colossus figure for Munster and Ireland. The 27-year-old made his Ireland debut against Wales in February 2002 and marked the occasion with a try. Despite injuries O'Connell has still managed to become an integral part of Ireland's 2006 & 2007 Triple-Crown campaigns.
Limerick-born O'Connell has captained Ireland a number of times in the absence of usual skipper Brian O'Driscoll. POC as he's nicknamed played in all three Tests against the All Blacks for the Lions in 2005. He was short-listed for the International Rugby Board's player-of-the-year award in 2006, only to lose out to New Zealand's Richie McCaw.
O'Connell was given higher accolades and honours when he was named as captain of the British & Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa in 2009.