2005 6N was completely unreal. Pace power finesse, he had it all

He was arguably the best player in the world for a fair period. Had absolutely everything - pace, skill, creativity, imagination, but what people rarely mention is just how tough he was, properly hard lad. Wasn't a bully or nasty or anything, but could take serious punishment and keep moving forward.

Brian O’Driscoll wasn’t just a generational talent; he was the heartbeat of Irish rugby. Watching him pierce through world-class defenses with that explosive acceleration and signature outside break was pure magic, for me he was one of the greatest outside centres to ever play the game, but what truly sets BOD apart is the immense character behind the jersey. He never let the fame alter his character. He carried the weight of a nation’s expectations with absolute grace, always diverting praise to his teammates and remaining remarkably grounded. He was ferocious and fearless on the pitch, yet entirely humble, approachable, and respectful off it. A true gentleman, a legendary leader, and an eternal icon of the sport.

It was an illegal, dangerous, irresponsible, horrific tackle and the worst part it was deliberate. It was over the horizontal for a start and one of rugby’s greatest crimes that it wasn’t a red card or a ban.

People forget how poor Ireland were before O’Driscoll made his first cap. He helped lift that team from, at best, mediocrity to levels not seen in decades. Case-in-point being no 6N grand slam since 1948 and no 6N triple crown since 1985. He was a generational player both on attack and in defence.
I’ll always remember the grand slam 6N when Ireland ground out a narrow win vs England; O’Driscoll shipped two head shots in a brutal contest, but fronted up and dragged Ireland through the game, scoring a try, a drop goal, and the MOTM award. In the post-match analysis, an Irish pundit described him perfectly as follows: “His extraordinary courage and willingness to put his body on the line for his country was quite incredible. An extraordinary example of what Irish fortitude, courage and sheer bloody-mindedness can do for this country.”
One of the greatest centres of all time.

Prime he was an absolute dime of a player, had that low centre of gravity on the pitch and a burst that was hard to stop plus super aggressive on defence.

He never made any mistakes it felt. He was like Conrad smith. But was explosive. His acceleration was incredible.

Terrible from the all blacks.. absolute disgrace to their shirt

They say the of off of the pudding is the eating . Brian didn't invent he just found a way to everything on the pitch . This is the reason why he became the best centre during his time playing rugby at the highest level . Pure Legend + .

If I remember correctly Ireland hadn’t won in Paris in 28 years

for me it was his partnership with Darcy that was his crowning glory

I was in Thomond park one night watching Munster vs Leinster. Munster was a competitive team then, Thomond Park was still a fortress and I watched Brian O Driscoll destroy Munster on his own. The game was over by half time.

A player so good he changed Ireland’s rugby fortunes in subsequent generations. He inspired an awful lot of growth in Irish rugby.

He’s in the conversation for best ever. Rugby IQ/creativity was unmatched. Did things that regularly left me speechless and made incredibly ordinary teams so much more competitive.
Scandal how he did not win world player of the year, especially in 2009. He dragged Ireland to a grand slam and formed one of the greatest centre partnerships with Roberts in that South Africa lions tour.
And credit where it’s due. He was a proper hard man when he needed to be. Laid out massive dudes, made turnovers, loved a burrow-over try. The guy is 5’9” for gods sake! Think everybody realised he was a genius but also a bit of a nutcase when he flattened Danie Russow that time in SA.

Best Irish player there ever will be.

One of the best to ever do it. One of the best outside centres ever, one of the greates Irish players ever. Also a total gentleman.

There have been many great Irish players but Brian is the best but also most down to earth person. I don't believe there's been a better player in his position and the fact he had almost 10/10 in all aspects of the game.

It's sad, begining to see it now, younger fans and bitter revisionists disregarding him slightly. Give it another 10 years and people will be saying he's overrated 🙄 He had no weaknesses, no athletic deficit.

"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad"

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad~ Brian O’Driscoll

They had other players too?