Having been one of the best rugby players in the world during his playing days, Paul O'Connell has made the seamless transition to being a top class coach in recent years.
That is a route some find difficult, with the adjustment from playing to coaching not always an easy one. The Limerick man has been steadily building an impressive CV over the last number of seasons, spending time with the Ireland U20s and Stade Francais before joining Andy Farrell's coaching ticket.
As someone who has acted as both a player and a coach over the last decade, he has a good insight into how rugby has changed at the highest level during that time period.
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Rugby: O'Connell has 'Regrets' over way teammates treated each other
During an interview with The Times, Paul O'Connell was asked about the main differences between rugby teams now and during his own playing days.
Interestingly, he said that he 'regrets' some of the harsh treatment he and others gave to teammates back in the day. It is something that doesn't really happen now.
I think it’s a lot more connected.
It’s a relationship-based style of leadership now. I think players are generally happier and they look after each other.
We were quite tough on each other, because we thought that was the way it had to be, that we had to hold each other to high standards. Sometimes too tough.
Whereas I think players now still [hold high standards], but they never do it in a way that embarrasses or humiliates someone. We did that a little bit when I played and I regret some of that.
I enjoy how players are encouraged to interact and to lead one another now.
Environments at top level rugby teams have certainly changed over the last few years, with more emphasis being placed upon a positive mindset and the mental wellbeing of players.
That can only be a good thing moving forward.
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