O’Connell looks towards coaching after announcing retirement

Paul O'Connell has expressed an interest in moving into coaching after announcing his retirement from rugby today.

The former Ireland captain has been forced to quit the game on medical advice after picking up a serious hamstring injury during Ireland's World Cup win over France.

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The 36-year-old was expected to end his career with Toulon – but he has been forced to retire without ever playing for the reigning European champions.

Meanwhile, the Ireland squad returned to training this afternoon ahead of Saturday's Six Nations battle with France in Paris.

Flanker Sean O'Brien took a full part in today's light work-out, while Rob Kearney had a restricted work-out and is hoping to train fully on Thursday.

Keith Earls passed his first Head Injury Assessment after a concussion injury and so the Munster winger has yet to be ruled-out of this weekend but Tommy O'Donnell trained fully today after also clearing his HIA.

Johnny Sexton, Andrew Trimble and Simon Zebo all sat-out today's training session but the trio are all expected to return for Thursday's squad session.

Leinster's Fergus McFadden has been called-in to the camp this week as cover for Earls but his Leinster team-mates Mike Ross and Cian Healy have both been left with their province in order to get some game time in the Pro12 this weekend.

Also in rugby, the Guinness Pro12 have announced the fixture details for the final four rounds of the regular season as well as the times and dates for this season's play-offs and Grand Final.

The Leinster versus Munster derby clash at the Aviva Stadium has been confirmed for Saturday, April the 2nd at half-past five.

The two play-off semi-finals will take place on Friday the 20th May at 7.45pm and on Saturday the 21st of May at 6.30pm, while the final will take place in Murrayfield on Saturday the 28th of May at 5.30pm.