Paul O’Connell announces his retirement and Twitter dons a collective black armband

We knew we would never see him in green again, but to never see him truck up a rugby ball full-stop?

Nobody wanted Paul O'Connell's last act on a rugby field to be the brave rucking that led to a devastating hamstring injury, but the inspirational former Ireland and Munster captain today confirmed his playing days are over. There will be no swansong in the south of France with Toulon, no more thundering tackles and no more inspirational carries. Its all over. Understandably there was much shock, much love and much appreciation on Twitter. From the great and good of the game, to the fans who enjoyed Paulie from afar.

Players and teams show respect

https://twitter.com/BrianODriscoll/status/697000067757142016 https://twitter.com/Gordonwdarcy/status/697000059955761152 https://twitter.com/martynewilliams/status/697003555878785024 https://twitter.com/bernardjackman/status/697006240434679808 https://twitter.com/shanebyrneoffic/status/697003060342685696 https://twitter.com/nick_easter/status/697003926604947456 https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/697001193793593344 https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/697000023989551104 https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/696999368587612162 https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/697003464270938112

Best of luck to Paul O'Connell on his final home game for @irishrugby . We're enjoyed your visits to the Sportsground over the years #ThanksPaulie

A photo posted by Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) on Aug 29, 2015 at 5:51am PDT

https://twitter.com/NoraStapleton/status/697000275094142976https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/697001082875179008 https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/697001082875179008

Supporters from across the globe got in the act

https://twitter.com/redjim83/status/696999720242319360 https://twitter.com/robcampbell10/status/697003719892799490 https://twitter.com/JudgeRugby/status/697003591521996800 https://twitter.com/Jimmy_Roberts10/status/696999569859727360 https://twitter.com/ssidobre/status/696999500863381504 https://twitter.com/DmitriWall/status/696999487374495745 https://twitter.com/alanowens_limk/status/697000140842921984 https://twitter.com/JohnMoynes/status/697000125324005376 https://twitter.com/Matthew1Davies/status/697001902312189953