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Published 15:05 27 Feb 2022 GMT
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Paul O'Connell is tackled by Justin Tipuric in the 2015 Six Nations. (Credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE)[/caption]
"Heading on a Lions tour, and it being my first, you would have always heard about Paul O'Connell. What stands out was the first time he spoke. "We had training in the Vale [in Wales], this short camp before we flew out. And obviously you hear about him being this Irish legend, and all that. How many tours he had been on. "But he just got us together and explained something at the end of this session. And I just remember every word he said. How clear he was and how he spoke and presented himself. "Still, to this day, that is one of my best Lions memories - how he spoke. And it wasn't like this passionate one, it was just explaining a bit of rugby focus, really. I remember thinking, 'Right that's how I'm supposed to speak when I speak in a huddle'."Tipuric says he was in awe, in the moment and for several weeks after. Whenever he spoke to a friend about the Lions, he mentioned that O'Connell talk. O'Connell fractured his arm in the final 15 minutes of the First Test against hosts Australia and Wallabies captain James Horwill was amazed - having heard the snap out on the pitch - that the Irish lock played on. That broken arm ruled O'Connell out of the rest of the tour but, such was his positive influence in the squad, Gatland asked him to remain in Australia with them. At the end of the Test Series, which the Lions won 2-1, many of the players sought out O'Connell to present him with the trophy to lift.
Justin Tipuric was speaking on behalf of Guinness, alongside teammates George North and Dan Lydiate. Guinness is working with its partners to make sure rugby is inclusive and welcoming for everyone. To find out more visit www.guinness.com/neversettle
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