Early and Club career
On 15th March 2014, the curtain finally came down on on the career of one of World Rugby's favourite sons with the retirement from international rugby of Brian O'Driscoll. In a perfect ending to his glittering career, his Irish team defeated France to win the 6 Nations title, O'Driscolls second Championship win. He claimed the man of the match award for the second week running, displaying all the skills that made him one of the world's greatest players.
O'Driscoll has been a mainstay in the massively successful Leinster team since 1999, making 180 appearance for the Irish region. In a glittering career for the Dubliners he has won the Heineken Cup three times; in 2008-09 beating Leicester, 2010-11 beating Northampton and 2011-12 beating Ulster. Leinster have also won the Celtic League on three occasions, beating Munster in 2001-2002, coming first in 2007-08 and beating Ulster in 2012-2013. In the same season O'Driscoll also won the European second tier competition by beating Stade Francais in the final.
International career
It's safe to say that O'Driscoll is the most influential player to ever pull on the green jersey of Ireland. His 133 caps for his country making him the most capped player for the men from the Emerald Isle. During his fifteen years in international rugby he's been to four World Cup's (17 Caps, 7 tries), won the 6 Nations title twice, won three Triple Crowns and captained Ireland to their first grand slam in 61 years. He also captained his country a record 83 times and scored 46 tries for them, putting him at the top of the try scoring charts for Ireland and eighth on the list in World Rugby. O'Driscoll also holds the record for tries in 6 Nations rugby with a total of 26 and has been named player of the tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
Career highs
. Scores hat trick for Ireland against France in 2000.
. Captains Ireland to grand slam in 2009, their first in 61 years
. Wins third Heineken Cup title in 2012-2013 season, defeating Ulster in the final.
. Becomes most capped in International rugby on 8th March 2014 against Italy (133 caps for Ireland, 8 for British Lions)