I don't see why he couldn't have a think about doing a Woodie/Ritchie/Brad on it and semi retiring, taking some time out just working on fitness in 2014/2015 and coming back in for pre-season and RWC warm ups for RWC 2015 before bowing out on the biggest stage.
If he's minded and husbanded there's no reason he can't do it. Sure it's only 18 months from now give or take, miss next years AI/6N and summer tour to give Henshaw and Payne time to gel at 13 for Ireland so there are options and then make himself available.
He was imperious against Cardiff and Saints pre Christmas was decent in the AI's and has been defensively excellent in our first two 6N games where IMO we didn't show our attacking hand as no doubt Joe has plans for England and France that'll change it up.
I seem to remember him saying that whatever about another season, his body certainly couldn't take another pre-season.
Champions of Europe 09, 11 & 12!
Pro 12 and Challenge Cup Champions 13!
Pro 12 Champions 14!
Magners League Champions 08!
Best supported in the Magners League 08 & 11!
Joins the list alongside Gareth Edwards, Martin Johnson, Michael Lynagh and Jonny Wilkinson... not bad company to keep....for them.
jezzer wrote:He will never be the second coming of BOD, because the only thing their game shares is probably the appetite for work around the pitch. He'll hopefully be the first coming of Ringrose.
Ireland rugby great Brian O'Driscoll is to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at a special ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the physical visitor experience in Rugby, England.
Ireland's record try-scorer and cap-holder with 46 tries in 133 Test appearances from 1999-2014, O'Driscoll is one of 12 inductees to the hall of fame this year.
Four England players, three Welshmen, a Scot, a Japanese legend, an Australian and a Canadian will be honoured at the ceremony on 17 November.
Confirmation of the class of 2016 takes the grand total of inductees to 132.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, who will be in attendance at the induction ceremony this week, said: "The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an indelible mark on our sport through feats on the field of play, displays of great character or through their tireless and inspirational work in driving forward our great game.
"The latest set of inductions includes some real legends, players who have helped to shape the image of rugby and inspire generations of fans.
"They are truly some of the biggest names in our sport and all have contributed immensely to the enjoyment we have all felt watching top-level rugby over the decades.
"Each of these 12 inductees has made a positive impression on the sport that will last the test of time.
"While the Hall of Fame has been in existence for some years, it is exciting that finally it will have a permanent home and fitting that it should be in the town that gave our game its name, Rugby.
"The physical Hall of Fame will be a wonderful focal point for the game and will attract fans from all over the world to relive the great exploits of rugby's most prominent and talented individuals.”
2016 Hall of Fame inductees: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Shane Williams (Wales), Jeremy Guscott (England), Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Heather Moyse (Canada), John Dawes (Wales), GPS Macpherson (Scotland), Arthur Gould (Wales), Jonny Wilkinson (England), Daniel Carroll (Australia and USA), Daisuke Ohata (Japan) and Maggie Alphonsi (England).
You know I'm going to lose,
And gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it baby, I don't want to live FOREVER!
Ireland rugby great Brian O'Driscoll is to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at a special ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the physical visitor experience in Rugby, England.
Ireland's record try-scorer and cap-holder with 46 tries in 133 Test appearances from 1999-2014, O'Driscoll is one of 12 inductees to the hall of fame this year.
Four England players, three Welshmen, a Scot, a Japanese legend, an Australian and a Canadian will be honoured at the ceremony on 17 November.
Confirmation of the class of 2016 takes the grand total of inductees to 132.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, who will be in attendance at the induction ceremony this week, said: "The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an indelible mark on our sport through feats on the field of play, displays of great character or through their tireless and inspirational work in driving forward our great game.
"The latest set of inductions includes some real legends, players who have helped to shape the image of rugby and inspire generations of fans.
"They are truly some of the biggest names in our sport and all have contributed immensely to the enjoyment we have all felt watching top-level rugby over the decades.
"Each of these 12 inductees has made a positive impression on the sport that will last the test of time.
"While the Hall of Fame has been in existence for some years, it is exciting that finally it will have a permanent home and fitting that it should be in the town that gave our game its name, Rugby.
"The physical Hall of Fame will be a wonderful focal point for the game and will attract fans from all over the world to relive the great exploits of rugby's most prominent and talented individuals.”
2016 Hall of Fame inductees: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Shane Williams (Wales), Jeremy Guscott (England), Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Heather Moyse (Canada), John Dawes (Wales), GPS Macpherson (Scotland), Arthur Gould (Wales), Jonny Wilkinson (England), Daniel Carroll (Australia and USA), Daisuke Ohata (Japan) and Maggie Alphonsi (England).
I reckon Ritchie McCaw gets it on the night instead, just cause
There were only 5 nations back then. 4 games per year.
