Brian O'Driscoll

Biography

Born in Dublin 1979, Brian O'Driscoll has set the world of Irish Rugby alight. He is Ireland's all time try scorer and has captained his country more times than any other player.

He won his first cap against Australia in Brisbane on June 12th 1999. Playing all of Ireland's ties in the 1999 World Cup in Wales O'Driscoll claimed his first try against the USA.

His first tour with British and Irish Lions was the tour of Australia in 2001, where he scored 4 tries, the most notable being a stunning individual effort in the 1st Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Ireland named 'BOD', as he is more fondly known, as their captain in November 2002 against Australia and following Keith Woods retirement in 2004 he was named squad captain.

In 2005 he was named captain of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. However his tour was cut short after a crunching yet controversial double tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu, in the first test in Christchurch, left him with a dislocated shoulder.

He surpassed Keith Woods captaincy record of 36 tests in 2007. Picking up two Six Nations 'Player of the Tounament' awards in both 2006 and 2007 championships.

After a dissappointing 2008, this year has a reversal in fortune for Ireland and indeed O'Driscoll, he captained the Irish to only their second Six Nations Grand Slam in 61 years, again being named player of the tournament.

A formidable opponent whose defense is second to none and whose attacking skills turn the opposition defenders inside out. His inclusion in the 2009 Britsh and Irish Lions side was no surprise, so lets see if he can inspire his squad to another glowing tour in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tour History