Cape Town - Former Munster, Ireland and Lions lock and captain Paul O'Connell will join up with the Ireland U20 squad this week as an assistant coach.
O'Connell, who retired from playing in February 2016, has been working in an advisory role with the Munster academy.
He will work with newly-appointed head coach Noel McNamara and assistant coaches Ambrose Conboy and Tom Tierney as they prepare the squad for festive matches against the Leinster and Munster development teams.
The 2018 U20 Six Nations Championship kicks off for McNamara's Ireland youngsters against France in Brive on Friday, February 2.