IRELAND CENTRE Brian O’Driscoll wants a series victory with the British and Irish Lions before his career comes to an end.
The 33-year-old veteran has featured on three previous Lions tours, which resulted in narrow losses to Australia (2001) and South Africa (2009), while he was the victim of a tour-ending spear tackle early in the comprehensive series defeat in New Zealand (2005).
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But despite nearing the end of his playing time at elite level, O’Driscoll remains determined to feature in this year’s trip to Australia, with the tour set to be staged during June and July.
“Playing for the Lions is the ultimate in your career, such a massive honour,” O’Driscoll said. “You only have to look at the quality of some of the players who have never been on a Lions tour to realise that.
“Playing in that calibre of team, and training day in, day out with that level of player, brings out the best in you and it’s hugely exciting. I would love to be a part of a Lions team capable of winning a Test series and I think the team being put together by (coach) Warren Gatland is definitely capable of doing that in Australia.”
O’Driscoll is out of contract with Leinster and the Irish Rugby Football Union at the end of the season, with speculation rife he might retire, but the Dubliner made it clear that no decision had been made.
“Who knows what the final act will be in my career,” he said. “I just have to play it out this season and see how things unfold and then I’ll make a call after that. I’m not under any massive pressure to make a decision. I will see what happens over the next few months and take a look at things in July.”
Mane man: Brian O'Driscoll targets 4th Lions tour
IRELAND CENTRE Brian O’Driscoll wants a series victory with the British and Irish Lions before his career comes to an end.
The 33-year-old veteran has featured on three previous Lions tours, which resulted in narrow losses to Australia (2001) and South Africa (2009), while he was the victim of a tour-ending spear tackle early in the comprehensive series defeat in New Zealand (2005).
But despite nearing the end of his playing time at elite level, O’Driscoll remains determined to feature in this year’s trip to Australia, with the tour set to be staged during June and July.
“Playing for the Lions is the ultimate in your career, such a massive honour,” O’Driscoll said. “You only have to look at the quality of some of the players who have never been on a Lions tour to realise that.
“Playing in that calibre of team, and training day in, day out with that level of player, brings out the best in you and it’s hugely exciting. I would love to be a part of a Lions team capable of winning a Test series and I think the team being put together by (coach) Warren Gatland is definitely capable of doing that in Australia.”
O’Driscoll is out of contract with Leinster and the Irish Rugby Football Union at the end of the season, with speculation rife he might retire, but the Dubliner made it clear that no decision had been made.
“Who knows what the final act will be in my career,” he said. “I just have to play it out this season and see how things unfold and then I’ll make a call after that. I’m not under any massive pressure to make a decision. I will see what happens over the next few months and take a look at things in July.”
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BOD Brian O'Driscoll British and Irish Lions European Rugby Champions Cup Guinness PRO12 Ireland Leinster Leinster Munster Rugby Union