Brian O'Driscoll to discuss future with new Irish coach Schmidt
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
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.
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Can't believe there are bitter people on here - we're talking about one of the greats, a guy we're lucky to have seen play, who's about to go on a FOURTH Lions Tour. Literally a living legend.
Play for as long as you like BOD, we'll still have you.
Why do you do it....lol....No Guinness for you !
If they don't, then I wouldn't blame him for having one more six nations with Ireland.
As much as I would like to see it, the world cup is too far away for him to make, and being the person he is I don't think he would hinder Irish rugby by trying to hang on and make it.
9 Murray 10 Sexton 11 Zebo 12 Marshall 13 Bowe 14 Gilroy 15 Kearney
Better to go out on a high with everyone's best wishes than to be seen as over the hill a year down the line.
In the end, like Wilkinson, only he knows what his body can stand!
For those that want evidence of that ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JLASzADsaI Enjoy!
If you're looking for current great centres don't forget Conrad Smith, one of the most underrated players to have ever played the position.
Healy Croft
Best Cronin Strauss
Ross Fitspatrick Andress
Oconnell McCarthy Ryan Toner
Ferris O’Brien Heaslip Henry O’Mahony
Murray McGrath L.Marshall
Sexton Jackson Madigan
I.Marshall Olding
Bowe Zebo Gilroy
Kearney Jones
2 years out + new coach so expect 10+ changes
PROBLEM: you just dont get a bolter at tighthead and we look small in the backs
and @33, yes i think o'gara rejected a one-year extension earlier this week
o'connell will be 34/35 at the world cup - simon shaw played international at 38
Up there with Gibson and Bleddyn Williams in the history of the game.
The stand out star of the 2001 Lions, if a certain fly half hadn't thrown a ludicrous pass in the 2nd test and missed vital kicks in the 3rd test, he would have a lions series win to his name as well.
everyone seems to back bowe for 13. i have no doubt he would adapt easily, but i feel we would be losing a world class winger for one who has not yet proven to be world class - that goes for both zebo and gilroy.
plus, olding's range of passing and all-round game looks like making him BODs likely replacement. the man will be a star in WC2015!
Have to agree. IRFU must do all it can to keep Irish rugby Irish.
The systems in place must be protected and nurtured so as to give every advantage to juniors coming thru, under the watchful eyes of those greats who have already climbed the mountain, must surely be the recipe for success.
No better examples than POC & BOD.
2 finest NH players in a decade
Stad Francais have very expensivley banged another nail in the coffin that is becoming the French national team
Kiwi born paceman might provide some instant thrills to the SF faithfull, but the joy will turn to gloom in the coming years, as the nat. team gets beat by Italy in future 6N games!