"He is a very, very well respected man in the community, " said Nancy Cartmill, president of the Cabell County Commission.

WSJ: High Approvals From Judge Deciding Social Security Disability Claims

"Paul O'Connell is a team man who is well respected internationally and it is obvious they are trying to replicate the vibe and momentum that they had with the same coach in 1997, " he said.

BBC: Boks surprised by O'Connell pick

Mr Monti, a well respected economist, is exactly the sort of man that the money markets would like to see take charge at this time of crisis, our correspondent says, and he has support in many quarters.

BBC: Italy crisis: Silvio Berlusconi resigns as PM

Mr Monti, a well respected economist, is exactly the sort of man that the markets would like to see take charge at this time of crisis, says the BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome, and he has support in many quarters.

BBC: Italy crisis: Mario Monti appointed new PM-designate

Francis Grew, senior curator at the museum, said the man would have been wealthy and well-respected and may even have been a "commuter" into the Roman city of Londinium.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | London Roman's remains go on show