Donncha Ryan won't be surprised if a club or international side try to snap up Paul O'Connell now that he has retired from playing.

Coaching could be a post-playing route for the former Ireland and Munster captain.

Ryan, who was speaking to Off The Ball's Dave McIntyre at Ireland Six Nations training camp, praised the leadership ability that would make O'Connell an effective coach and believes many clubs will be interested in adding him as a forwards coach.

"I'm sure that any club that are looking at adding to their coaching ticket will be knocking on his door. But I'm sure he has his own plans as to what he has in mind," he said, jokingly adding that the Young Munster U8s are also looking for a prospective coach now O'Connell is available.

"As a leader, I suppose the best thing he does is that he gets you to do things that you don't want to do and enjoy it."