Brian O'Driscoll (c)

Brian O'Driscoll.

Age/Date of birth – 30 – 21st Jan 1979
Position – Centre
Height – 1.75m
Weight – 95kg
Test caps – Ireland – 88, Lions – 4 Tests (Captain NZ 2005)
Test debut – 15th October 1999
Test points – 172 – 32 tries, 4 drop goals (Lions 1 try)
Current club/Playing history – Blackrock, Leinster
Strengths – Ireland's talisman and without question one of the greatest exponents of outside centre play in the history of the game, BOD possessed breathtaking outside acceleration that could shred even the best defences. One of the all time greats of Irish (and possibly world) rugby is now on the wane as an attacking force, but has adapted to come up with a robust defensive game that causes just as many problems for opponents.
Weaknesses – His hamstring continues to trouble him and he is now more easily closed down and contained.
Headline(s) – God is spelt BOD, Waltzing O'Driscoll.
Honours in the game – Celtic League 2001, Triple Crown 2004, 2006, 2007
Did you know? O'Driscoll's playing contribution for the 2005 Lions was finished in the opening minutes of the first Test against the All Blacks in Christchurch on 25 June 2005, when he was stretchered off the field with a shoulder injury just after the ball had left a ruck he was defending. Tana Umaga (captain of the All Blacks) and Keven Mealamu had combined together, when they lifted O'Driscoll and dropped him headfirst onto the ground. He extended one arm to protect his head, and his shoulder was dislocated on impact.
The independent citing commissioner found that the New Zealand players had no case to answer. However, following new footage, International Rugby Board's communications manager Greg Thomas stated …'that dangerous tackles like this have no part in the game'. Although unable to play, O'Driscoll remained as non-playing captain on a losing tour and only underwent surgery on his return. A Dublin legend and socialite, in March of 2004 O'Driscoll was named “Ireland's Sexiest Man” by Social & Personal Magazine. He is a keen fan of the Dublin Gaelic football team and attends their matches at Croke Park regularly.