Alton Towers rides put fear of God into Irish rugby stars

2015 Rugby World Cup, Ireland Rugby Down Day, Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England 24/9/2015 Ireland's Jared Payne, Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Sexton, Rob Kearney, Paul O'Connell, Simon Zebo and Tommy Boweat Alton Towers today Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

AFTER an impressive victory over Canada in their World Cup opener, Ireland’s rugby stars deserved a well-earned day off.

Some of Ireland's rugby stars try to enjoy the ride

Whilst some of the players headed to play golf at the Belfry on Thursday, captain Paul O’Connell and several others headed to Alton Towers for some adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Ireland's Jared Payne, Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Sexton, Rob Kearney, Paul O'Connell, Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe enjoying a day off at Alton Towers on Thursday

Jared Payne, Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Sexton, Rob Kearney, Paul O'Connell, Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe spent a hard-earned day off enjoying the adrenaline-filled rides

As always, there were cameras on hand to capture the action and the look on O’Connell’s face is priceless!

2015 Rugby World Cup, Ireland Rugby Down Day, Doveridge Clay Pigeon Shooting Centre, Derbyshire, England 24/9/2015 Ireland's Paul O'Connell clay pigeon shooting during a down day today Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Paul O'Connell also tried his hand at clay pigeon shooting

The roller coaster managed to put the fear of God into the 6ft 6inch frame of the Ireland skipper, who then spent the rest of the day refining his clay pigeon shooting skills.