The Beginning
Brian O’Driscoll was born in Dublin and made a rapid rise through the junior ranks. He represented Ireland at schoolboy, U19 and U21 levels. He made his debut for Ireland in 1999 at age 20. O’Driscoll really burst onto the international scene in 2000 when he scored a magnificent hat-trick against France in Paris. O’Driscoll is the all time record try scorer for Ireland. He also captained Ireland in more tests than any other player.
He was a fantastic organizer on defense and put in some big hits in his career. But he will mostly be remembered for his attacking qualities. He often broke the opposition line and set up either a try for himself or the players in support.
In His Prime
His form in 2000 and 2001 secured him a place in the British & Irish Lions team that toured Australia in 2001. O’Driscoll was in dazzling form and scored some of his greatest tries on that tour, including a brilliant solo effort in the first test.
He first captained Ireland in 2002 and took on that role on a full time basis in 2004. Under his leadership, Ireland won the Triple Crown in 2005. Later in 2005 he was selected as captain of the British & Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand. Sadly he got injured in the first test and his tour was over.
In 2007 he broke Keith Wood’s captaincy record and was named the Player of the Six Nations in 2006 and 2007. Injuries started to play a role, but he was back to his best in 2009 and lead Ireland to their first Grand Slam since 1948. He was again named player of the Championship and went on his third tour with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa. O’Driscoll also won his first Heineken Cup with his beloved province Leinster in 2009.
His Retirement and Legacy
In 2010 he earned his 100th test cap, but at this stage he was struggling to maintain the form that made him famous. In 2013 he was overlooked as captain of Ireland and struggled with form. He was selected for his fourth British & Irish Lions tour, but was dropped in the last test for Jonathan Davies. He finished of his career with Ireland in 2014.
All that aside, Brian O’Driscoll was quite simply one of the greatest attacking players of all time and will be remembered as a rugby legend and the greatest player Ireland has produced.
