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And so we say goodbye to Brian O’Driscoll. After more than 15 years, he has finally hung up the boots and retired from professional rugby.
O’Driscoll will be remembered by those who saw him as not just one of the very greatest to play the game of rugby, but one of the best athletes of his generation.
He first drew people’s attention when he scored a hat trick of tries against France in the 2000 Six Nations as a 21-year-old, helping his team win the game.
It was Ireland’s first win against the French since 1983 and their first win in Paris since 1972. People could tell he was something special.
O’Driscoll announced himself on the world stage as a player of unique ability when he scored a terrific try in the first Test of the British and Irish Lions series against Australia in 2001. Though the Lions eventually lost the series 2-1, O’Driscoll returned home with an enhanced reputation.
O’Driscoll’s career is littered with terrific moments: four Pro12 titles and three Heineken Cups with Leinster, four Triple Crowns, a Grand Slam and two Six Nations’ titles with Ireland, and a winning series with the Lions against Australia in 2013.
He also became the world’s record cap holder with 141 (including eight for the Lions) and toured with the Lions on four occasions – more than any of his contemporaries and only one behind the record of five Lions’ tours held by fellow Irishmen Willie-John McBride and Mike Gibson.
Of course, there have been low points as well, including his ignominious exit from the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand.
There were also some unfulfilled dreams. O’Driscoll never beat New Zealand, never reached a World Cup semi-final, and despite his talent, never managed to be named IRB Player of the Year.
He still achieved so much in his career and was a figure that transcended the sport he played in. Other players of his generation received higher accolades – Jonny Wilkinson and Richie McCaw both won World Cups, while Wilkinson, McCaw (three times) and Dan Carter (twice) won Player Of the Year awards.
Nonetheless, Brian O’Driscoll will be remembered as one of the very best.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.