Brian O’Driscoll - Rugby Player Profile
Brian Gerald O'Driscoll was born in Dublin on January 21, 1979. He is the most recognised Irish rugby player of all time, earning many plaudits and accolades along the way. O’Driscoll is a complete player, with excellent defensive abilities and breathtaking
pace in attack, making him one of the most feared players in the world.
The 33-year-old never tires of winning, and recently led his team, Leinster, to the Heineken Cup title. It was their third title in four-years and successfully saw off the challenge of local rivals, Ulster, to win back-to-back titles. They became the first
team to do so since the London Wasps.
Having been asked what makes him go on, the centre replied by saying, “It's medals. Trophies. It is. It's about being selfish and wanting more now."
His career has been about achieving all that he could. He represented Ireland at Ireland Schools, U19 and U21 levels, before earning his first international cap against Australia at Brisbane, on June 12, 1999. He subsequently played at his first World Cup
in 1999, scoring his first try for Ireland against the United States.
O’Driscoll would gain further prominence as he was selected for the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia in 2001, playing in all three-test matches, and scoring a brilliant try in the first test at Brisbane. Prior to that, he made Ireland win for the
first time in Paris for 28 years, after he scored a hat-trick of tries against the French during the 2000 Six Nations tournament.
He became the permanent captain of Ireland in 2004, after his predecessor, Keith Wood’s retired from the sport, however, he did captain his nation for the first time in his 31st match. It was destiny for him to become the Ireland captain and the
mercurial player commands the respects of all his players.
He thrives on responsibility and after gaining the captaincy of Leinster, he led the team to the semi-final of the Heineken Cup in 2005, and now they are a powerhouse in European rugby. He has had a massive impact on regional rugby in Ireland as well, and
is contracted to stay with Leinster for a few years.
At the age of 33 he has already made 117 appearances for Ireland and it seems that there are a few more to come.
O’Driscoll has deep thoughts about sport and feels that it is important for shaping a personality.
“Sport is good for a number of reasons,” he says. “Team sports are very important for shaping personalities. It's important that kids understand the mentality behind playing team sports and playing for one another and playing with friends.”
He has helped shape rugby in the country, and he is a sportsman rather a celebrity. He has been an inspiration for people in Ireland, and sets himself up as a role model.
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