O'Connor Dismisses Heart Attack Reports

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Former Australia back James O'Connor has denied French media reports he suffered a heart attack on the Toulon team bus last weekend.

Reports in France claimed O'Connor was given emergency treatment by team-mates on Toulon's return journey from their Top 14 match against Oyonnax on Sunday.

However, O'Connor posted a message on Twitter to say that he is fine, and will be out of action for two weeks.

The 25-year-old wrote: "No heart attack.. Hypoglycemia & game/training fatigue. All tests were very positive. Wish I could play 2moro but Toulon resting me for 2 weeks!"

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte had also played down the heart-attack reports during an interview with RMC radio on Friday, although he believes the player will be sidelined for a little longer.

He said: "James O'Connor felt unwell in the bus taking the team back from the Oyonnax game.

"The medical staff decided to take him to hospital and he underwent a considerable series of tests.

"I can reassure everyone he's fine. He will play rugby again but he will undergo further tests next week. James will miss three weeks, maybe four weeks of competition."

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Au Revoir....Paul O'Connell

Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby.

O’Connell last appeared for Ireland during last year’s Rugby World Cup win against France, when he was forced off with a hamstring injury.

The talismanic lock had left his native province Munster to join European champions RC Toulon, however a failure to return to full fitness means he will not appear for the French club.

O’Connell anounced his retirement in a statement released by the IRFU. “It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months.

“Since sustaining the injury at the World Cup I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible.

“I have been blessed to be a professional rugby player for over 14 years and to be part of Munster and Ireland teams that have experienced success. I have played with some of the best players to ever line out in the red of Munster and the green of Ireland and have had the privilege of captaining my country.

“I would like to thank those at Young Munster RFC, Munster Rugby, the IRFU and Lions Rugby who have supported me over the course of my playing career.

“Special thanks must go to my wife Emily for her unwavering support through the good and the bad and to my parents Michael and Shelagh.

“Lastly I would like to thank everyone who has supported the teams I have been a part of. The support you have shown me is humbling and an immense source of pride for both myself and my family."

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