Unlike most athletes and players, Paul O'Connell "doesn't mind" pre-season and all the grueling strains and efforts that it entails.
The Ireland and Munster second row is getting back into the groove ahead of the new season and tonight the 34-year-old joined us on Off The Ball to look ahead to the upcoming campaign.
With a physically powerful Toulon ruling the roost when it comes to European rugby, it may lead to renewed emphasis on size and power for players, which marks a change from the previous emphasis on agility.
"It was probably a reaction to the new rules that came in around being able to take quick line outs and not having to throw them straight. So people were thinking there was going to be a lot more ball-in-play time and there was. People trimmed down a little bit but I think the one phase that's not going to go out of fashion in rugby is power and size," said O'Connell, who feels winning collisions has become ever more crucial which has led to the emphasis on the power game. He also spoke about changes to his own body and how that is sustained.
Paul O’Connell at the launch of the new adidas Munster Rugby 2014/2015 alternate kit. The new solar green jersey is available to buy from the 1st August in Life Style Sports Stores nationwide and online at www.lifestylesports.com/munster
"I'd love to go to the next World Cup but I'd like to go there in really good shape as well," said O'Connell, who felt he struggled at times last season due to the absence of a pre-season
"I certainly do think about retirement but I haven't made any hard and fast decisions. It's just about how my body feels. It feels quite good at the moment."
At provincial level, Munster are moving into a new era under new head coach Anthony Foley and O'Connell gave an insight into his former team-mates' methods.
He also admitted that Munster struggled to maintain consistency last season, and added that they did not "simplify" their methods in high pressure situations.
"I think when you've got to give something a lot of thought - which we did at times under Rob's style of play - you can struggle to be direct and aggressive in doing it," he said.
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