Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby after Ireland tumbled out of the World Cup at the hands of Wales earlier this month. O’Driscoll, who has won 123 caps, captained the side that came undone against Wales at the Quarter Final stage while also wearing the armband in Ireland’s shock victory over Australia in the pool stage, and despite the disappointment of their early exit insists he has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.
“People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?” the 32-year-old told the Irish Times.
“It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you.”
The British and Irish Lions player is generally considered, even by those more interested in finding the best casinos, as one of the finest players in the modern game and is the leading try scorer in 6 Nations history, but believes that he can follow the lead of countryman David Humphreys, who played well into his thirties at the highest level.
“David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong,” O’Driscoll commented.
“That your time isn’t up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.
“In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn’t have a clue who you are. That’s the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that’s it.
“Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds.”
O’Driscoll admits that he has thought about life after rugby when the time does come to step away from playing, and believes his future does lay in the sport, and refused to rule out following the likes of Martin Johnson from the pitch to the head coach’s seat.
“Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in.” he explained.
“Never say never (about coaching). I don’t know. It is a difficult one to see. It is not something that is causing me sleepless nights at the moment. It is something that I will fall into if it is meant to be.”
{ 0 comments… add one now }