Irish rugby legend lines out for major kids charity campaign to support student resilience and wellbeing

RUGBY legend Paul O’Connell lines out for a great cause as he kicked off a major charity campaign for kids.

The former Munster and ­Ireland great, 44, was all smiles at today’s launch of the Barnardos Big Active nationwide campaign, ­supported by Aldi.

The Big Active and Aldi ambassador posed up alongside youngsters Amy Lydon, 10, RJ ­Ragpala, 10, Keagan Hetherington, eight, and Ayana O Callaghan, 14.

The initiative will help ­students of all ages and abilities across the country to focus on their health and wellbeing, all while helping others. ­

Participants are encouraged to try and fundraise — with cash raised from those taking part going to help to transform the lives of the 20,838 vulnerable children and families Barnardos work with.

This is not the first time the rugby legend has worked with the children’s charity as he recently described it as a “highlight” of his career.

The former Ireland skipper is trying to use his own experiences, both on and off the pitch, to help children, including his own three kids, Paddy, 13, Lola, eight and Felix, five.

Paul said working with young people is one of the most rewarding experiences he has had in his career to date.

He previously told The Irish Sun: “This is all about encouraging ­people to get active, maybe getting outside your comfort zone and ­pushing yourself that little bit more.

“Encouraging regular exercise has huge benefits, like increasing fitness, lowering stress and creating a healthier routine.

“It’s so rewarding to see people come on leaps and bounds, growing in confidence and really seeing the results.

“I’ve been involved with Barnardos for a number of years now and it’s an incredible organisation. The work they do is unbelievable.

“You’re teaching people life skills that they can use themselves going forward, it’s extremely beneficial.

“As a coach you love to see people learning techniques and improving themselves and that’s part of what makes this so special.

“It’s an incredible charity that does so much good work. Barnardos is a wonderful organisation and a lot of what they do behind the s