Ireland rugby fans have a chance to get closer to the World Cup conversation and listen in to Three ambassadors Johnny Sexton, Paul O’Connell and Robbie Henshaw as they open up in the #AllitTakes series. The three players talk about what it takes to build team spirit, slagging, the nature of camp and team kitman Rala in the second of a three-part series.
As the Irish team faces its biggest match of the tournament to date, against France in Cardiff on Sunday, the trio reveal the true nature of the Irish rugby team camp and what keeps them positive. Sexton says there’s not really that many rules or curfews when it comes to camp but “once you get into Rala’s room, all bets are off – it’s like getting out of camp really”.
All three are full of praise for the man. O’Connell calls Rala “the most positive man on the planet”. Rala is the go to man if a player is feeling low – “you can always get a Dairy Milk or some wine gums”. The team works hard at getting on together. Sexton describes the tight comradery: “It’s ruthless in there… In camp, you get away with saying anything”.
Captain O’Connell agrees, saying slagging is normal. Rookie Robbie Henshaw shares his experience with “top notch” roommate Mike Ross. Sexton says Tommy Bowe is an “unbelievable snorer” and O’Connell confesses to presenting his roommate with two new wax earplugs at the start of the week because he might have a “bad night, here and there”.
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/CqFwRCeBLYw
