AS IF HE wasn’t already the most talented rugby player this island has ever produced, Brian O’Driscoll is proving he has the longevity to match.

With less than two weeks to go before his final Six Nations, today is Brian O’Driscoll’s 35th birthday.

He’s probably not allowed much cake at this time of year, so to celebrate, here are just a few reasons why most people in this country think he’s awesome.

“Bring it on!”

Turn the sound down and try to see past the poor quality of this video and take pride that our wee Brian is swinging thumps at Victor Matfield, one of the the most revered second rows ever to grace professional rugby.

YouTube credit: cbrocks

We forgave those blonde highlights, proof that he’s some man for one man

©INPHO

He looks great in slow-mo

TheScore.ie lost five perfectly good rugby balls over the hedge trying to replicate this

YouTube credit: Lions 2013 DVD

It’s not just rugby he’s awesome at

©INPHO/Billy Stickland

What, these old things?

YouTube credit: Conor Ryan

We can let him out of the country safe in the knowledge that he won’t let the side down

©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Yeah, his between-the-legs passes are cool, but this is his real genius

Not to mention his jackling

He knows the difference between fruits and wisdom

At least, I think that’s what he was saying here.

YouTube credit: eimhin

And is great value on Twitter

There’s a touch of class about his missus too

All hail Hubes!

Still crazy after all these years

Immortalise this: 13 possible poses for a Brian O’Driscoll statue