O'Driscoll: Targets Super Rugby swansong
Ireland veteran centre Brian O'Driscoll hasn't ruled out the possibility of ending his career with a swansong season in Super Rugby.
The 33-year-old Leinster star, who is contracted to the three-time Heineken Cup champions until 2013, is reportedly looking to have a crack at Super Rugby before he retires and - if all goes according to plan - could link up with the Waratahs in Sydney.
Former Leinster boss Michael Cheika was recently appointed new Waratahs coach, and the pair could be reunited following the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013.
The second most-capped international of all time, boasting 126 appearances for his country, admitted that he's made "minor inquiries" about playing a year of Super Rugby.
"The three best teams in the world make up the Super 15 and, and you look at the individuals and you look at the calibre of the sides and the quality of Super Rugby and the intensity of it, obviously it is a hugely high standard," O'Driscoll told The Daily Telegraph.
"My time might have passed on that front but I'm definitely a never-say-never sort of person.
"What excites me is the challenge playing against the calibre of player you are playing week in, week out down there," he added.
"That is an exciting prospect. But whether all the pieces fit, I don't know."
Comments
new_j4a says...
Great player at his peak years ago, but he better shuffle off to the old age home that is French rugby. Perhaps the Super Kings are desperate enough to take him. The feeble minded fans of Leinster may worship the ground he walks on but he's pretty much detritus from the S15 point of view.
Posted 21:22 16th October 2012
makemehappy says...
It isn't going to happen, he could obviously be a useful asset, but probably would be let down by injuries. Certainly Japan is a much better place to go to semi-retire, other than the cultural differences.
Posted 19:39 16th October 2012
paddy91317 says...
Him and ferris, o'brien and sexton(when he play's for Leinster) would be the only players from Ireland to possibly make a starting super rugby team
Posted 19:37 16th October 2012
jmanngod says...
Waratards??? So he wants to play S15... but doesn't want a chance of winning then?
Posted 19:00 16th October 2012
5Lock4ward says...
I was hoping this story was directly related to Nonu's move to Otago which would've seen BOD joining the Blues.
Posted 18:53 16th October 2012
NHsaints says...
Well even in his twilight he'll be 30 times better than most of the Waratah's players...
Posted 18:46 16th October 2012
melkdave says...
I think it would be nice for BOD to play in the S15 .That he is a world class player isnt in dought and he would certinaly add to any team,Just with his experiance and leadership never mind his playing skills.His done everything he can in the NH so why not conquer the SH ,and maybe get a S15 winners medal .As to his Lions chances atm ,pretty remote being honest,but its still way to early to be even thinking about selection yet imo.After the aurtum tests is when the real work will begin .
Posted 18:28 16th October 2012
davodiablo says...
Theshaw ...Chiefs , Craig Clark . Masterton NZ . Whats your point ?
Posted 18:06 16th October 2012
RFDY says...
He isn¿t going anywhere. All talk. In order for him to get tax back in Ireland he has to finish his career in Ireland. That¿s unless he is being offered more money than what he would get from his tax refund which is doubtful. If he was going to do it he should have done it two season ago but thank god for Leinster's sake he didnt. He is vital to Leinster¿s success
Posted 17:23 16th October 2012
sirtidychris says...
Please...if chumps like danny cipriani, andy goode, sam norton knight and a 38 year old tana umaga can get game time in super rugby then BOD will be fine for 1 more season. I would strongly recommend japan instead however, the japanese will give him a nice retirement cushion and he will be only playing a few games.
Posted 16:57 16th October 2012
Theshaw says...
@ piriaka
Sorry mate who won the super rugby last season? And who is there captain? And where is he from?
Posted 16:42 16th October 2012
APV1 says...
"The three best teams in the world make up the Super 15..."
So why would he consider the Waratahs then..?
;-)
Posted 16:36 16th October 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
I reckon this will soon become a trend, I mean who wouldn't want to?
Also the OZ francises in particular are spread pretty thin.
I'd pick Otago though if I had the fame and talent. about 4 hours drive through the southern alps to queenstown... or just head up the coast to Kiakoura.... Damn, those Kiwis are a lucky bunch of so and so's!!! :)
Posted 16:36 16th October 2012
piriaka says...
It's hard yakka BOD - you could easily look like a complete goose in the twilight of your career!! I am not sure if you Poms and Irish have really got what it takes to front up... at this level ....
Posted 16:19 16th October 2012
connaughtabu says...
"Former Leinster boss Michael Cheika was recently appointed new Waratahs coach, and the pair could be reunited following the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013"
Excuse me, are Cheekie and Drico (Leinster-goy speak) hinting that BoD might actually be "in" the Lions team to tour Oz, or what??? Heavens forbid! Names like Roberts, Williams, Tuilangi, Barritt, Davies, Joseph or Bowe come to mind but BoD, one of the best player ever to have taken to a rugby paddock, but who now is well past his sell by date.
May I suggest that BoD buys himself an air ticket to Sydney and heads off asap. There is only so much running left in those sturdy little legs of his!
:-))
Posted 15:49 16th October 2012
Carpelone says...
You must be bloody fit for that, my son.
Posted 15:25 16th October 2012
UBA05 says...
Would be great to see this great of the game running around in Super Rugby. Somebody make it happen!!!
Posted 15:17 16th October 2012
TheTruthHurts says...
Why not, he can add it to his CV before he retires, he's done everything and has nothing to prove..a class player and respected as well in both hemisphere's, he has that stubborn Irish spirit about him and I like that, good on him if he gets a shot! Yep come to the Waratah's please :)
Posted 15:03 16th October 2012
SACanuck says...
Good on you BOD, at least you know the facts regarding how much better the SH teams are.
Posted 14:24 16th October 2012