Ex-Ireland star Donncha O’Callaghan says rugby forced him to be ‘selfish’ as he’d make himself breakfast before his kids
RTE star Donncha O'Callaghan says he doesn't miss being a professional rugby player because it made him a more 'selfish' person in his home life.
The former lock told that while he was lucky to live out his dream, he doesn't miss it because he's able to be a more well-rounded person nowadays.
He said: "I was all-consumed, I really was.
"I don't mind saying it: I was really, really selfish and I'll be honest with you, you have to be if you're in that environment.
"It's small little things that you probably don't understand but I remember coming down for breakfast, and my wife Jenny slags me over this, but I remember having my breakfast first before looking after the kids.
"I'm embarrassed about it but all you're really thinking is in an hour and a half's time I'll be doing fitness sessions and if I haven't eaten at this point I won't be fuelled and ready to go.
SLOWER PACE
"You're constantly thinking about yourself and look, it is a privilege and I was lucky to do it.
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"But we've four beautiful kids now and I'm kinda glad that I can put him, the competitor, aside and just enjoy stuff."
The Cork native joked that he's enjoying helping out with the kids more even if he's limited enough in his current role of substitute teacher.
He added: "I'll be honest even my little girl in fourth class I've had to leave her go up to Jenny for maths because she's beyond my level!"