O'Connell was shortlisted for the International Rugby Board player of the year in 2006, and was the only Northern Hemisphere nominee.
O'Connell was an integral member of the Munster team that won the 2005-06 Heineken Cup, scoring a try in the 19-10 quarter-final victory over USA Perpignan[REF] and playing a crucial role in defeating Leinster 30-6 in the semi-final and Biarritz Olympique 19-23 in the 2006 Heineken Cup Final [REF].