Paul O\u2019Connell never needed much time to make up his mind when asked about the best stadium he ever played in for atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community<\/a>\u00a0for all the latest news direct to your phone.<\/p>\n For the former Ireland and Munster skipper, Cardiff\u2019s Principality Stadium \u2013 known as the Millennium Stadium during his playing days \u2013 stands head and shoulders above the rest.<\/p>\n It was a venue that brought him plenty of success too. O\u2019Connell lifted two Heineken Cups there with Munster and famously completed a Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009 on the same hallowed turf.<\/p>\n And it wasn\u2019t just the silverware that made it special.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s in the middle of the city and the crowd are generally drunk, which adds to the atmosphere,\u201d O\u2019Connell joked. \u201cThen you have the roof closed, which adds to it even more. It\u2019s a great stadium.\u201d<\/p>\n Having faced the very best in world rugby between 2002 and 2015, O\u2019Connell also built up an impressive collection of swapped jerseys along the way. But one in particular stands out above the rest.<\/p>\n Asked about his favourite exchange, the former lock immediately pointed to a Welsh great \u2013 and a former British & Irish Lions teammate.<\/p>\n \u201cI have Martin Williams\u2019 jersey,\u201d he revealed. \u201cIt was from when we beat Wales in 2010. I probably shouldn\u2019t have kept it, to be honest. I think that was his 95th cap and the day he became Wales\u2019 most capped forward.<\/p>\n \u201cI loved him as a player. He was brilliant on the field and great fun off it too. We toured together with the Lions in 2009 and became good friends, so I was delighted to get his jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n Given the calibre of players O\u2019Connell went up against, that\u2019s praise that carries serious weight.<\/p>\n Toughest Rugby Union Players Of All-Time (Ranked 15-1)<\/p>\n Rugby is a sport that celebrates toughness, resilience, and raw power. The following players have epitomized these qualities, earning their places as some of the hardest to ever grace the field.<\/p>\n 15.\u00a0S\u00e9bastien Chabal \u2013 \u201cThe Caveman\u201d<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Number 8, Lock, Flanker Known for his imposing presence, full beard, and long hair, Chabal was a formidable force on the field. His aggressive playing style earned him the nickname \u201cThe Caveman\u201d and made him a fan favorite in France. Despite his intimidating appearance, Chabal was also known for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.<\/p>\n 14.\u00a0Brian Lima \u2013 \u201cThe Chiropractor\u201d<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Wing, Centre Lima earned the nickname \u201cThe Chiropractor\u201d for his bone-crunching tackles that left opponents reeling. He was known for his fearless approach to the game and his ability to deliver devastating hits that often turned the tide in matches.<\/p>\n 13.\u00a0Eben Etzebeth \u2013 \u201cThe Enforcer\u201d<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Lock Etzebeth is renowned for his physicality and aggressive playing style. Standing at 6\u20198\u2033 and weighing over 120kg, he dominates the lineouts and is a constant threat in the scrum. His no-nonsense approach to the game has made him a key figure in South African rugby.<\/p>\n 12.\u00a0Bakkies Botha \u2013 \u201cThe Beast\u201d<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Lock Botha was known for his physicality and aggressive demeanor on the field. His confrontational playing style often led to intense confrontations, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest players in rugby history.<\/p>\n 11.\u00a0Jerry Collins \u2013 \u201cThe Terminator\u201d<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Blindside Flanker Collins was known for his ferocious tackling and aggressive playing style. His hard-hitting approach made him a feared opponent and a key figure in New Zealand\u2019s rugby success during his career.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Born:\u00a0December 8, 1977, Valence, France
Caps:\u00a062 (France)
Club Career:\u00a0Bourgoin, Sale Sharks, Racing M\u00e9tro, Lyon<\/p>\n
Born:\u00a0January 25, 1972, Apia, Samoa
Caps:\u00a064 (Samoa)
Club Career:\u00a0Stade Fran\u00e7ais, Swansea, Secom Rugguts, Munster, Bristol<\/p>\n
Born:\u00a0October 29, 1991, Cape Town, South Africa
Caps:\u00a0116 (South Africa)
Club Career:\u00a0Western Province, Stormers, Toulon<\/p>\n
Born:\u00a0September 22, 1979, Pretoria, South Africa
Caps:\u00a075 (South Africa)
Club Career:\u00a0Blue Bulls, Toulon<\/p>\n
Born:\u00a0November 4, 1980, Apia, Samoa
Caps:\u00a048 (New Zealand)
Club Career:\u00a0Hurricanes, Toulon, Ospreys<\/p>\n