Brian O’Driscoll has handed Leinster a major boost ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarterfinal date with Cardiff and insisted he is no rush to retire from professional rugby.

The Ireland captain had hinted he would consider quitting when his current deal expires at the end of next season but now he says he is no rush to bring the curtain down on his glorious career.

“I’m not in a place at the moment where I am going to worry about how long I play for,” said Dricco ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Stadium clash.

“Right now, I am enjoying my rugby. We are where we want to be. We are top of the league and in the knockout stages of Europe so I don’t see any need to be putting a timeline on when I am going to finish.”

O’Driscoll’s declaration comes just days after Shane Horgan was forced to concede defeat in his battle to overcome injury. Like Ronan O’Gara, O’Driscoll is now determined to play on.

He added, “I spoke to Ronan the other day and he mentioned the age 38 but he mentioned 38 so people would get off his back and stop asking him when he is going to retire.

“There is no need to be putting a time limit on anyone. If they are in good form, their body is feeling good and they are mentally in a good place then I think you play on as long as possible.”

Meanwhile, Munster will have fit-again Ireland internationals Paul O’Connell, Conor Murray, Donncha Ryan and Keith Earls available for Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarterfinal clash with Ulster in Limerick.

The visitors are likely to be without Irish flanker Stephen Ferris after he picked up an ankle injury in the Rabo 12 league game against Aironi last weekend.