CHASKA, Minn. -- When Sir Alex Ferguson gave a motivational talk to Europe's Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles two years ago, a lot was made of it.
For all the non-golf aficionados who enjoy the biennial contest with America, it was probably one of the key things about the home side's landslide win at Gleneagles.
So Paul O'Connell, the former rugby legend and hard man, has much to live up to if he is to make the same impact on the public consciousness.
"There's no finer an example of shoulder to shoulder than Paul O'Connell," Europe's Ryder Cup captain, Darren Clarke, said on Tuesday. "He has legendary status both at home and in terms of leading the British Lions, who obviously always play away from home.
"So with us being away from home, he was my choice to come and address the team. I'm very excited to hear what he has to say and the way that he's going to put his thoughts across."
O'Connell was due to speak to the European team on Tuesday night local time after partnering with Niall Horan in the celebrity match at Hazeltine National.
He retired from rugby on medical advice in February after a career that saw him captain Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.
The idea of standing shoulder to shoulder has been Europe's motto at Hazeltine and is a theme in the song "Ireland's Call," which was commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union for use at international matches.
"Part of my whole thought process for this week is shoulder to shoulder, one team, one unit," Clarke explained. "And with the rugby background that I have as well, it resonated with me. It was something that I pursued through my captaincy.
"We have spoken at length about what my whole thought process was, about my thinking for the team, and Paul is aware of that.
"From everybody that I've spoken to who have heard Paul address teams, he is seriously inspirational. So I feel very fortunate and privileged that he's there to join us."