Rugby's O'Connell handed Ryder Cup role

Former British and Irish Lions captain Paul O'Connell has given the European Ryder Cup team a motivational speech ahead of this week's showpiece at Hazeltine.

Former British and Irish Lions captain Paul O'Connell has provided the motivation while a magician called Dynamo produced bewilderment in the European Ryder Cup team room.

The pair were invited behind the scenes by Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke to meet the players on Tuesday evening.

O'Connell spoke about his experiences in rugby and his view on team sport.

"There's definitely a lot that he brought," said England's Justin Rose.

"The passion is what he really brought and just how important it is to be part of a team.

"Not necessarily be part of a team but make your team better for future generations and be accountable to the number on the back of your shirt.

"Obviously that can be very much easily transferred to our team this week in the sense of every single one of us has an honour to represent ourselves and the team in the best way possible and leave it in a better place for the next team in two years' time."

Dynamo had a different effect on the players, performing one card trick on Rory McIlroy which left the world No.3 and his team-mates flummoxed.

"Yeah, he was great, very impressive. Before I knew it I was back in bed and I didn't even walk to my room," said Henrik Stenson.

"It's just impressive to see someone being that good at what they do but at the same time it's annoying that you can't figure out how he does it. It's a bittersweet combo really."


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Source: AAP



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