Brian O'Driscoll

A week in which Denis Leamy became the third Munster international forward to retire recently from the game because of recurring injury brought to mind some decidedly prescient remarks by Brian O'Driscoll. Speaking at this time in 2009 about the physical demands of the professional game, he said: "We don't yet know how long a career a player can have, but the demands on the body are increasing all the time.  

TWO of Leinster’s Heineken Cup winners received honours on Monday when Rob Kearney was named as the ERC European player of the year and Brian O’Driscoll was reinstated as Ireland’s captain for their tour of New Zealand next month.  

Now that Brian O’Driscoll and his Leinster team-mates have sealed their status as the greatest force in the history of European club rugby, a maiden double is in their sights, then next summer they are poised to have a suitably major impact with the Lions.  

Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick and hooker Mike Sherry of Munster were included up front while Sherry's team-mate winger Simon Zebo was in the backs, alongside Ulster centre Darren Cave, who won two caps on Ireland's north America tour three years ago.  

Ireland legend defies injury to inspire Leinster to comfortable victory over Ulster in the Heineken Cup finalBrian O'Driscoll was making what was probably his final appearance at Twickenham, one of the leading players not just of his generation but the history of the game, defying injury to help inspire a complete team to a third Heineken Cup success in four years. What has marked him out over the years has not only been his rare talent, one...  

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He is a star turn but without overweening ego. He embraced Leinster players and fans at the end of the match, the province’s place in the history books assured after their third Heineken Cup in four years, an unprecedented feat. O’Driscoll takes ...  

Leinster players honoured as Rob Kearney named European player of year and Brian O'Driscoll reinstated as Ireland captain.  

Brian O'Driscoll sounded an ominous warning to the rest of Europe as he insisted that Leinster will chase more glory after crushing Ulster 42-14 in the Heineken Cup final at Twickenham. O'Driscoll, 33, was speaking after Leinster secured their ...  

Brian O'Driscoll believes Leinster are building a dynasty after they won a record-breaking third Heineken Cup title in four years when they beat Ulster 42-14 in the all-Ireland final at Twickenham. First-half tries by Sean O'Brien and Cian Healy put ...  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.Related StoriesFour-man shortlist for GloucesterGrant backing youthLeinster claim Heineken Cup crownTeam is hungry for more - O'DriscollBeale boots Rebels to victory  

Brian O'Driscoll was making what was probably his final appearance at Twickenham, one of the leading players not just of his generation but the history of the game, defying injury to help inspire a complete team to a third Heineken Cup success in four years.  

Reaction:Brian O’Driscoll believes Leinster are building a dynasty after they won a record-breaking third Heineken Cup title in four years when they beat Ulster 42-14 in the all-Ireland final at Twickenham. O’Driscoll admitted Leinster set themselves a target of becoming one of the greatest sides in European history after they won their first title in 2009.  

Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit for Leinster's shot at Heineken Cup history when they clash with Irish rivals Ulster in Saturday's Twickenham final.Related StoriesTrimble motivated by Irish rivalryThorn targets record haulFalcons swoop for LawsonBrumbies fight back to claim winGodman joins London Scottish  

Leinster’s Brian O’Driscoll believes that his success in the Heineken Cup final can spur him on to beat New Zealand with Ireland. Ireland will go to New Zealand next month to play the world champions in three Test matches but in their last 24 ...  

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named a 29-man squad for their June tour to New Zealand, with Brian O'Driscoll returning as captain  

Darren Cave will relish a confrontation with the legendary Brian O'Driscoll rather than fear it in Saturday's Heineken Cup final. Related StoriesHeineken Cup final: Ulster's Andrew Trimble motivated by rivalryHeineken Cup: The sky is the limit for class act Darren CaveHeineken Cup: London calling a different tune for Rory Best  

Leinster centre hails the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's 42-14 victory over Ulster.  

Leinster veteran Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that it is the lure of more medals that continues to power his enviable career  

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named a 29-man squad for next month's tour of New Zealand and re-appointed Brian O'Driscoll as his captain. O'Driscoll missed the entire Six Nations as he recovered from shoulder surgery and recently underwent key-hole ...  

Brian O'Driscoll believes the first all-Irish Heineken Cup final can only have a positive effect on his next big mission - tackling world champions New Zealand. Ireland will head to All Blacks country for Test matches in Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton ...  

Brian O’Driscoll then put fear into the rest of Europe by insisting their period of dominance had only just begun. But Davies said the British and Irish Lions, who play the Wallabies next summer Down Under, were the real winners. He said: “We should ...  

Injury scares are ignored as inspirational Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll proves too hot for Ulster to handle.  

WE WENT all existential on Brian O’Driscoll late Saturday night. What keeps you keeping on? Is it the landmarks or is it more human than that, asked one of the elder scribes. “Nah, it’s medals.” It’s just medals? “Yep. Trophies and medals.”  

Brian O’Driscoll is back for Leinster’s shot at Heineken Cup history today when they meet Irish rivals Ulster in the Twickenham final.  

Brian O'Driscoll believes Leinster can become Heineken Cup immortals after the 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final. Leinster were crowned champions for a third time in four years at Twickenham and became only the second team ...  

Brian O'Driscoll has confirmed that he will be fit for Leinster's RaboDirect Pro-12 final against the Ospreys on Sunday.  

Brian O'Driscoll won't like to admit it but he's probably the only Manchester United fan to take some morsel of consolation from Sunday's most dramatic title race conclusion. Related StoriesHeineken Cup: This is the best Ulster squad I’ve played in, says Paddy WallaceHeineken Cup: Give Ian Humphreys final flurry, says Stuart Barnes  

BRIAN O'Driscoll has been passed fit for Leinster's shot at Heineken Cup history when they clash with Irish rivals Ulster in tomorrow's Twickenham final.  

Rugby:The injury prognosis for the Leinster squad ahead of the Heineken Cup Final against Ulster at Twickenham on Saturday is that Gordon, D’Arcy, Cian Healy, Rob Kearney are expected to be fit while the news regarding Brian O’Driscoll is encouraging. He underwent keyhole surgery on his knee last Friday and the portents are positive.  

Brian O'Driscoll believes Leinster are building a dynasty after they won a record-breaking third Heineken Cup title in four years after beat Ulster 42-14 in the all-Ireland final at Twickenham.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in the season finale at Twickenham. Leinster made history with a third Heineken Cup title in four years - a level of sustained success ...  

Brian O'Driscoll handed Leinster a major boost after declaring himself fit for the all-Irish European Cup final against Ulster at Twickenham on Saturday. O'Driscoll's place in the final was in doubt after he underwent minor surgery to have cartilage ...  

Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit for Leinster's shot at Heineken Cup history when they clash with Irish rivals Ulster in the Twickenham final. The 33-year-old missed Leinster's RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final victory over Glasgow last Saturday after ...  

LEINSTER suffered a major fright yesterday when Brian O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney were ruled out of tonight's Pro12 semi-final against Glasgow at the RDS -- but remain hopeful that the Ireland and Lions pair will be able to line out in next weekend's Heineken Cup final.  

Brian O'Driscoll insists Leinster will chase more glory after crushing Ulster 42-14 in the Heineken Cup final at Twickenham.  

William Hill can report one way traffic for Leinster to win the Heineken Cup final and the handicap suggests that they are eight points better than Ulster who are 3/1 to win. Brian O'Driscoll is back and he has been supported to score a try at 4/1 & he is ...  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll hailed the creation of a Heineken Cup dynasty after Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster in Saturday night's all-Irish final.  

Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit for Leinster's shot at Heineken Cup history.  

DESPITE KEYHOLE surgery last Friday, Brian O’Driscoll is adamant he will take the field at Twickenham to face Ulster in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final. The Ireland captain, whose season only began against the Ospreys on March 23rd, due to shoulder/neck ...  

Brian O'Driscoll will start for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury  

Leinster face an anxious wait to find out if talismanic centre Brian O'Driscoll will be fit for Saturday's ... he will be up fully and running by Thursday," explained coach Joe Schmidt. "He is one of the most resilient men I have met and one of the most ...  

Brian O'Driscoll says Leinster must not hand penalty chances to Ulster kicker Ruan Pienaar in Saturday's Heineken Cup final.  

BRIAN O'Driscoll has been passed fit for Leinster's shot at Heineken Cup history when they clash with Irish rivals Ulster in tomorrow's Twickenham final.  

The unfortunate Eoin O’Malley looks sure to miss out, and while the likelihood remains that their four front-line Irish internationals will make the kick-off at Twickenham, Brian O’Driscoll ... to be honest,” admitted Schmidt afterwards.  

Rugby:Joe Schmidt could be forgiven for feeling like he has been waiting for a bus these last few weeks. You wait for what seems like an eternity and then three come along at once. The Leinster coach has been without Brian O’Driscoll since October while skipper Leo Cullen has been out since January.  

Brian O'Driscoll won't like to admit it but he's probably the only Manchester United fan to take some morsel of consolation from Sunday's most dramatic title race conclusion.  

Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll is adamant that he will be fit to face Ulster in this Saturday's Heineken Cup final.  

After a week when only perhaps an influx of naturalised Irish-Argentinian props could have lightened the post-Twickenham gloom, Brian O'Driscoll's faster than expected return to competitive action warms as a comforting balm.  

Leinster may be the favourites to win a third Heineken Cup in four years but Brian O'Driscoll knows they face a bruising encounter with Ulster before they can even contemplate taking Europe's biggest prize. The defending champions extended their unbeaten ...  

Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll was a relieved man after his side booked another Heineken Cup final appearance with victory against "probably the best team in France" in Bordeaux on Sunday. The defending champions extended their unbeaten run in the ...  

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL is refusing to set a date for his retirement ... the Ireland captain is no longer willing to commit to a date. Ronan O'Gara said last week that he intends playing until the age of 38, while O'Driscoll's new team-mate Brad Thorn won a ...  

Their performance in December against Bath was as good a passing display as you will see. Fergus McFadden, Eoin O’Malley and Gordon D’Arcy have excelled in the centre throughout this Heineken Cup campaign and it must be odd to come back to find good ...  

Brian O’Driscoll has handed Leinster a major boost ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarterfinal date with Cardiff and insisted he is no rush to retire from professional rugby. The Ireland captain had hinted he would consider quitting when ...  

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has told UTV that he was surprised to hear that Ulster team coach Brian McLaughlin is to be replaced at the end of the season. In February, it was revealed that McLaughlin - who has been coaching the side since 2009 - will ...  

Brian O'Driscoll was speaking last night at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce dinner in the Titanic Belfast building where he told nearly 800 guests the value of teamwork in achieving results. "There are huge parallels between business and sport ...  

Veteran Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll looks set to return to the international stage against the All Blacks, saying he has no plans to retire and takes inspiration from the ageless Brad Thorn.  

Brian O'Driscoll continued his return after a shoulder operation, without any problems. The most interesting quotes, however, came from Bath, where the forwards coach, Martin Haag, offered a refreshingly honest assessment of a 26-6 defeat by a Northampton ...  

The Ospreys flanker Tom Smith figured that out for the rest of us. “Yeah, that was the one,” Brian O’Driscoll confirmed yesterday. The tackle, that is, that proved he is no longer a creaking 33-year-old but merely a man who needed to take five months ...  

LEINSTER coach Joe Schmidt has hailed the return of talismanic centre Brian O'Driscoll and captain Leo Cullen ahead of their match against the Ospreys tonight (7.05). This will be O'Driscoll's first start of the season after recovering from shoulder ...  

DROGHEDA IS one step closer to welcoming Irish rugby heroes Brian O'driscoll, Jonny Sexton and Paul O'connell, after the Boyne Rugby Under 9s photograph polled an incredible 18,600 votes in the O2 'Play them next' online competition. It was a tense fight ...  

It was a first half of sheer dominance from the two-time European champions. Three converted tries from Isa Nacewa, Rob Kearney and Brian O'Driscoll was just reward for their excellence. Jonathan Sexton also added two penalties with Leigh Halfpenny ...  

Tries from Isa Nacewa, Brian O'Driscoll and two from Rob Kearney ended the game as a contest just after half-time with out-half Jonathan Sexton kicking 14 points. Cardiff showed spirit in keeping their opponents scoreless for the final 33 minutes but the ...  

Quite rightly the rugby authorities want to stamp out the sort of dangerous spear tackle that left Brian O'Driscoll seriously injured during the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005. But their interpretation of what is deemed dangerous now seems flawed in the ...  

Among those celebrating was Irish rugby star husband Brian O'Driscoll. He tweeted: "Very proud of my wife @amyhuberman who's new show 'Animal Practice' has been picked up by NBC stateside. #toLA." But within hours, Amy's dream of becoming a major US TV ...  

He has been compared with Brian O'Driscoll and he regards Rob Kearney as the best in the world in his position but in the absence of Leinster's two great backs, Stuart Hogg is looking to seize his chance to stamp his authority on today's RaboDirect Pro12 ...  

"Obviously the Heineken Cup final is coming up but our focus has been on this weekend." Kearney, along with Brian O'Driscoll, will miss the game with Glasgow through minor injuries - with the newly-crown Irish Rugby Union Players' Association ...  

IRELAND captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed his surprise at the decision by Ulster to move aside head coach Brian McLaughlin at the end of the season.  

IF Brian O'Driscoll wanted a reminder of the fleeting nature of a professional sportsman's career, he just had to take a quick glance at his right shoulder yesterday.  

Brian O'Driscoll will make his first appearance since the Rugby World Cup when he starts for Leinster in their RaboDirect Pro12 clash with the Ospreys  

The 'sold out' signs are set to be erected around the RDS tonight for the keenly anticipated comeback of Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll, WRITES DAVID KELLY.  

Brian O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen will both start for Leinster when they take on the Ospreys in Friday night's RaboDirect PRO12 clash in the RDS.  

Lions, Ireland and Leinster star Brian O'Driscoll says he he is keen to keep playing for "another couple of years".