Work in Progress - Paul O'Connell - By Rob Van Der Steen

Back in March 2014, the Groggshop announced that Munster, Ireland and British Lions Lock Paul O'Connell was going to be Grogged. A raft of collectors unitedly said "finally". It's been a long time coming and a Grogg that both the shop and fans alike were keen to see made.

The O'Connell Grogg will be hitting the shelves of the Groggshop later this year but it could have happened a few years earlier. Back in 2009 when Ireland won the Six Nations Grand Slam, Brian O'Driscoll with trophy was Grogged and a fantastic Grogg it was indeed.

However, it could have so easily been Paul O'Connell that was Grogged, in fact Richard had it all planned believing O'Connell was the captain of Ireland, but quickly realising his mistake the idea of the O'Connell Grogg was shelved and the O'Driscoll Grogg commenced.

5 years on from that superb Grand Slam victory, I'm reliably informed that work has already begun on the Grogg so hopefully we will see some Work in Progress photos shortly. The timing of this Grogg is absolutely perfect having just won the Six Nations with Ireland and been part of the successful British Lions Tour of Australia in 2013.Also with the retirement of Brian O'Driscoll, it is also likely that Paul O'Connell will become the permanent captain of Ireland, having captained the side on the recent tour of Argentina.

So what can we expect from the Grogg of this 94 cap Goliath? Well we will certainly being seeing him in the traditional Green and white of Ireland, no doubt complete with shaved head and piercing blue eyes. The pure stature of this player should also make for a very imposing Grogg, one which I am very keen to add to my collection.

The question is what more may we possibly see? Paul featured for the Lions in the first test of the 2013 tour and captained them against the Barbarians, he was also captain of the 2009 Lions, so it's very possible we could also see Paul in the red and white of the British and Irish Lions. We also have to consider the fact that O'Connell is just 6 caps away from 100 appearances for Ireland. Could this lead to an interesting twist to the O'Connell Grogg or maybe a special of some description. Only time will tell.

I for one am very excited to see the progress and of course the finished article.

Happy Groggin'

Photograph Courtesy of The World Of Groggs