In The Telegraph, England's former captain Will Carling once named a player 10th in his list of '50 greatest rugby players'. Speaking about this player, Carling said "As a balanced centre he has everything- pace, strength, great attacking skill and is as good in defence as attack. He has the ability to prise open defenses that other players cannot even contemplate. With his poise, his change of speed and his closeness to the ground it is very hard to stop him. Ireland are half the side without him". Praise indeed.
Every so often, there are those who redefine the meaning of greatness, those hailed for their sheer ability, those who clearly standout as one of the players of their generation. Lauded worldwide for creating frequent moments of glory, this is a man who has earnt a reputation as one of the greatest ever, if not the greatest. This man who Carling was talking about is none other than Brian O'Driscoll.
A player made for the big occasion, the 32 year old is a recognised, decorated winner. Throughout his illustrious career, the man described as 'God' in some quarters has been known to be capable of sheer brilliance at the peak of his powers.
With his proud Leinster province, O'Driscoll is a Heineken Cup and two time Magners League winner. With Ireland, he is a Six Nations and Grand Slam winner, a three time Triple Crown winner. He has played in three World Cups and is a current 112 time capped international. He has three British and Irish Lions tours to his name with six Lions test caps, one as captain. Voted World Rugby Player of the Decade (2000-2009) by Rugby World Magazine, named on the ERC European Dream Team, nominated for IRB World Player of the Year three times, he has also been named Player of the Six Nations three times. Staggering.
His CV speaks for itself. Words cannot give this sporting superstar enough praise. For a man who has played in the most illustrious of company for the best part of 12 years, he still remains as committed and focused as ever to a sport which has given him so much.
Down the years, O'Driscoll has made a hobby of dazzling rugby crowds on a weekly basis with some standout performances. He glides around the turf with such ease in an effortless motion. Honestyl, he wouldn't look out of place in a shirt of the prestigious All Blacks. This is a centre of the highest class, a scoring phenomenon. His influence and ability allows his rugby brain to see vision and space like no other.
His try in the first test for the 2001 Lions, a moment of sporting genius, is a vivid memory which perfectly highlights the calibre of international we are talking about. It was the emergence of a sporting superstar in the making. Renowned for his midfield creativity, running lines and strength, O'Driscoll brings leadership and experience to a changing room. Upper body strength allows him to patrol the breakdown area like a master, slowing down ball.
Held in the highest regard by his peers and fellow professionals, there are only a couple of years left in the tank for this battle-hardened warrior. He has lost a bit of pace but no one would deny him one final hurrah. There is the Heineken Cup final to contend with in a few weeks and then all attentions turn to the World Cup.
Furthermore, don't bet against him playing a pivotal role for the Lions in Australia in two years time. You would be a brave man to bet against O'Driscoll. Capable of turning a match around on his own through one act of sheer brilliance, he is a complete role model. A leading light to younger players, he symbolizes everything positive about the sport of rugby union.
News recently broke that as well as France and the Top 14, a move to the Super 15 also tempted him earlier on in his career. Personally, it would have been a privilege to have seen him mixing it with the best the southern hemisphere has to offer on a weekly basis. It would have only enhanced his playing skills further, preaching the wisdom of Bod, God.
Invited to the prestigious Royal Wedding last week, O'Driscoll turned down the invitation to focus on his Heineken Cup semi final against Toulouse. Now, that, is the mark of a true professional. The Irish motto 'In BOD we trust', who could argue with that? A legacy has been built, the legend of Brian O'Driscoll can never be replaced.
