Magners League Official Website : O’Driscoll commits future to Leinster

Brian O'Driscoll

O’Driscoll commits future to Leinster

13 December 2005, 12:24 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll has agreed a new contract with the IRFU that will see him remain in Ireland and playing for Leinster until after the 2007 World Cup.

There was widespread speculation that the centre would move to France at the end of this season but the new contract will keep him in Ireland.

“The IRFU is delighted that Brian has pledged his immediate future to Leinster and that he will continue to play his rugby in Ireland,” said Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the IRFU. ”There is no doubting his ability at the very highest level and it is a testament to both Brian and to the current structures that are in place at both provincial and international level that he has chosen to remain in Ireland”.

“My desire from the beginning of this season has always been to play for Leinster and Ireland,” said O’Driscoll. “I am thrilled to remain within the current set up. I am now looking forward to getting myself back on the field playing as soon as possible and working with the coaching staff in both Leinster and Ireland for the remainder of the season”.

O’Driscoll is set to return to action for Leinster in their Boxing day clash with Ulster – his first game since the shoulder injury sustained when he was spear tackled by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu early in the first test of the Lions tour to new Zealand last June.