Too far: Brian O'Driscoll
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has ruled out participating in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, describing the event as "18 months too far."
33-year old O'Driscoll is currently recovering from ankle surgery but is due to return for Leinster and Ireland in the New Year, with a fourth Lions tour on the cards to Australia in June.
O'Driscoll's statement indicates that he plans to retire at the end of the 2013/2014 season, whilst many expect O'Driscoll to call time on his glittering career after the Lions tour next year.
"It's weird, coming in I was very relaxed, no pressure's on it because I don't for a second anticipate that I'll have any involvement (in the World Cup). But something stirs you deep down. I think it's probably 18 months too far," O'Driscoll told The Irish Examiner.
"I think it's fair to say I'm not going to make it. If I did, I'd be as shocked as you would be, so it's best if I just say, no, it's highly unlikely."
"I don't know (about retirement) because I haven't even wanted to contemplate next year because I'm not playing. It's hard to talk about that (when likely to retire) when you're not playing.
"So when I get into Six Nations camp, hopefully I'll get back playing and see how that works out, see how the body feels. It's funny, I was sitting there today and still I was enthusiastic. A little bit of you is resigned to the fact that you're not going to be there, but it doesn't mean you don't want to be.
"It's just the body can only last so long and we'll see how much longer I can get out of it. If I'm still at the level I need to be at to play international rugby, I'll continue playing because I still enjoy it.
"But I need to know when to call it a day as well, I need to listen to this (his body)."
Comments
Irishzimbabwean says...
sirtidychris - quite right. BOD signs off on a winning Lions tour. Great way to go.
Posted 14:08 04th December 2012
gazzabok says...
He's up there but I'd still put him behind Danie Gerber (so would most experts). Great player, he's past his best though - 2009 was his swansong. It's still a great pity to see him go.
Posted 14:05 04th December 2012
tha_mai says...
curates_egg.
Tana Umaga - the only rugby player ever to receive the Pierre de Coubertin medal.
2003: Umaga, recognising the seriousness of his opponent's (Colin Charvis) state, left his place in an attacking move and ran to the aid of the stricken Charvis, removing his gum-shield before placing him in the recovery position. Umaga received the Pierre de Coubertin medal - a prestigious award for outstanding sportsmanship. The Welsh Rugby Union also presented him with a figurine to honour his display of sportsmanship.
Posted 13:57 04th December 2012
connaughtabu says...
As we say in the West of Ireland - "Come on, lad"!
O'Driscoll was clearly one of the Players of the Noughties, but these past 2 years, he has lost all his old skills except for tackling. His recent injury has sealed his fate as a test player.
It is time for him to move into management, in which given his knowledge of the game, intelligence and kudos amongst players he should be a great success!
It is time for Ireland to find the person to fill his shoes for the 2015 RWC. Will it be Earls, Cave, Bowe or will one of the young bucks from the academies get the position?
:-))
Posted 13:26 04th December 2012
spike19 says...
jamesliveinhope
I think if he's fit he has to be selected and re-instated as captain for the 2013 6 nations. There is no one else who has proven themselves fully in that 13 slot. He is still the heart of the Irish team and will want to have a strong 6 nations to put himself in contention for the lions tour.
Some people are saying move him to 12 and have Earls at 13 but I think that would be a waste of BODs talents. For me Earls is a winger who can play centre and not the long-term option at 13. Darren Cave play's well for Ulster but has not done a lot to convince he is the future for Ireland at 13.
Outside centres, the really great ones, are born not made. Eoin O'Malley has the makings of a great 13 but needs to stay fit and augment his impressive running and distribution game with more guile on defence. Other candidates could be Eoin Griffin, Robbie Henshaw or Michael Allen all a bit young but exciting prospects.
Posted 13:20 04th December 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
Huge, huge player - question is, with his decision apparently made, does Kidney persevere with him or make plans for his permanent replacement now?
Posted 12:42 04th December 2012
sirtidychris says...
The mark of all greats is knowing when to sign off and seal the deal on your legacy...you can decide to be a Paul Gascoigne or a Will Greenwood...be strong enough to know when your time has come to hang up your boots...for me BOD has to give the lions a shot after that i would say its time.
Posted 12:35 04th December 2012
blue_n_green says...
BOD stands alone as the best 13 ever full stop ! He deserves to make the decision when it suits him good luck BOD
Posted 11:55 04th December 2012
LondonWasp says...
we all knew it was coming......
ireland, and indeed the world, will mis BOD when he goes
Posted 11:51 04th December 2012
ATG77 says...
Well said Curates_egg! Lots of better centres as good or much better than Umaga... Walter little, Frank Bunce, Alan Tait, Stirling Mortlock, Marius Joubert(scored 3 tries against Umaga in '04),
Posted 11:48 04th December 2012
carpelone says...
Maybe with some good management, some sabbatical period, who knows..
Posted 10:48 04th December 2012
curates_egg says...
Do not mention BOD's name in the same sentence as that thug.
Posted 10:04 04th December 2012
Centre12 says...
Along with Tana Umaga, the best ever #13's to have graced the game it will be a sad day when he finally has to hang up his boots, how I have enjoyed watching him play over the years, good luck BOD!!!!!
Posted 08:46 04th December 2012