Brian O’Driscoll had tears in his eyes as he closed out his international career with a sensational Six Nations championship win thanks to a Paris victory over France.
O’Driscoll was the man of the moment as the world’s most capped player helped Ireland to a 22-20 win and the title at the Stade de France.
It was only his second win in Paris and a second championship in 15 years in the Ireland shirt and it clearly meant a lot to an emotional O’Driscoll.
Drico said: “I played on for one more year hopeful to get a victory against the All Blacks - that didn’t happen - and to win a Six Nations, and that did happen.
“You can’t have it all, but you take the bits that you get. Not many people get to finish their career on their own terms - certainly not with high emotions like today. I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have been a part of a great, great team.
“It’s been a fantastic Six Nations for us. I’ve enjoyed every second. I don’t really want to take this jersey off yet, because I know when I do it’s the last time.
“I’m dragging the a*** out of it a little bit!”
Johnny Sexton scored two tries for Ireland but left the field concussed with Andrew Trimble also crossing the French line in an Irish win that saw them finish ahead of England at the top of the table.
But the game will always be remembered for O’Driscoll’s farewell to international rugby.
He added: “I think I tried to channel the emotions into the performance. I played fair today, and you can’t allow the occasion to get the better of you.
“You have to try to make sure you’re the cog in the wheel for the team. Emotions come afterwards and they did. I’m sure there will be a few tears - later on, with multiple beers on board, probably.
“It’s a lovely way to finish out. I’ve had so much fun over the last 15 years, and I feel very grateful to finish in this fantastic way.
“I got a frog in my throat on the final whistle all right. You’re not yourself sometimes when you’re being interviewed. It feels as though you’re trying to present a certain way.
“After scenarios like today it comes out a bit more, particularly when it’s the end. You have to be as natural as you can. Over the course of the next while, when it sinks in, I’m sure it will flood out.
“When I pull the jersey off it will be hard, but it will come with a great sense of happiness to finish off with a great high after a lot of nearly moments.”
Brian O’Driscoll had tears in his eyes as he closed out his international career with a sensational Six Nations championship win thanks to a Paris victory over France.
O’Driscoll was the man of the moment as the world’s most capped player helped Ireland to a 22-20 win and the title at the Stade de France.
It was only his second win in Paris and a second championship in 15 years in the Ireland shirt and it clearly meant a lot to an emotional O’Driscoll.
Drico said: “I played on for one more year hopeful to get a victory against the All Blacks - that didn’t happen - and to win a Six Nations, and that did happen.
“You can’t have it all, but you take the bits that you get. Not many people get to finish their career on their own terms - certainly not with high emotions like today. I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have been a part of a great, great team.
“It’s been a fantastic Six Nations for us. I’ve enjoyed every second. I don’t really want to take this jersey off yet, because I know when I do it’s the last time.
“I’m dragging the a*** out of it a little bit!”
Johnny Sexton scored two tries for Ireland but left the field concussed with Andrew Trimble also crossing the French line in an Irish win that saw them finish ahead of England at the top of the table.
But the game will always be remembered for O’Driscoll’s farewell to international rugby.
He added: “I think I tried to channel the emotions into the performance. I played fair today, and you can’t allow the occasion to get the better of you.
“You have to try to make sure you’re the cog in the wheel for the team. Emotions come afterwards and they did. I’m sure there will be a few tears - later on, with multiple beers on board, probably.
“It’s a lovely way to finish out. I’ve had so much fun over the last 15 years, and I feel very grateful to finish in this fantastic way.
“I got a frog in my throat on the final whistle all right. You’re not yourself sometimes when you’re being interviewed. It feels as though you’re trying to present a certain way.
“After scenarios like today it comes out a bit more, particularly when it’s the end. You have to be as natural as you can. Over the course of the next while, when it sinks in, I’m sure it will flood out.
“When I pull the jersey off it will be hard, but it will come with a great sense of happiness to finish off with a great high after a lot of nearly moments.”
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