O'Connell retires

DUBLIN: Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has retired from rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect, the lock announced on Tuesday. “It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice,” O’Connell, 36, said. O'Connell, who won 108 caps for Ireland and seven caps for the British and Irish Lions, retired from international rugby late last year after a hamstring injury forced him out of the WC. He had intended to see out his career with French Top 14 giants Toulon but his injury has forced him to abandon those plans without having played a single game for them.