Brian O'Driscoll to discuss future with new Irish coach Schmidt
- From the section Rugby Union
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Brian O'Driscoll has hinted that Joe Schmidt's appointment as Ireland coach could persuade him to play on for another year.
There had been increasing speculation that the 34-year-old former skipper would retire after the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
The centre said he would make his mind up on his future in July.
"There is the added carrot now that Joe is head coach. I have made no secret of my admiration for him," O'Driscoll.
O'Driscoll has played under the New Zealander with Leinster since 2010, winning the 2011 and 2012 Heineken Cups.
"He has been fantastic for Leinster and Leinster's loss is Ireland's gain," O'Driscoll said.
"I do not think they could have picked anyone who could encourage me more to hang on for another year.
"We talk the whole time, I have a good relationship with Joe.
"He has spoken to me about my future from a Leinster perspective. He appreciates I am my own man and will make my own decision.
"That does not mean he cannot try to sway my opinion one way or another.
"But that is just one aspect of making a decision as big as whether you play on for another year.
"I need to sit down and talk to my wife and go through different things and see if the body is up to it.
"I have been lucky to have had a 14 or 15-year career, and I have to understand my wife [actress/writer Amy Huberman] has a career as well and maybe be flexible to her needs too."
O'Driscoll is the second most-capped player in international rugby, having made 125 appearances for Ireland, 83 of them as captain.
He has scored 46 tries in internationals and 30 for Leinster in the Heineken Cup.
