The Leinster, Ireland and Lions player on the importance of feeling the buzz.
Raise Your Game: How does it feel to be captain of Ireland?
BO: Obviously it's a huge honour, and a fantastic feeling walking your 14 other team mates out into a packed stadium. It's a sensational feeling, and it's something that I thrive on every time I get to do it.
I think it can sometimes be a difficult job to try and get the best out of your team mates, but I've been very fortunate in Ireland that there's been a lot of leaders in there to help me out.
RYG: And to be chosen as captain of the Lions too?
Profile
Name:
Brian O'Driscoll
Born:
21 January 1979
From:
Clontarf, Ireland
Height:
5ft 11ins
Weight:
95kg
Position:
Outside centre
Club:
Leinster
Internationals:
- Current captain for Ireland
- British & Irish Lions tour 2001, 2005 (captain) 2009
BO: Yes, it's extremely special when you're chosen from that many people to captain a team as prestigious as the Lions. It's an enormous honour, probably the biggest in the game, so I felt no differently to those who have gone before me - the Martin Johnsons and Gavin Hastings of this world - when I was offered it. I guess it was a little unfortunate that I only got to play 45 seconds of a Test Match but I still got the opportunity to lead them out in a Test!
RYG: How do you come back from an injury like that?
BO: I think it's just built within you that you want to come back and that you want to better yourself and you want to play the game that you love.
I think I've been fortunate that I've had some time off because in that time off you get to miss the game a little bit more and more. So, by the time I do get fully fit, I'm going to be raring to go and be totally fresh to give it hooley again!
RYG: How do you maintain your passion for the sport?
BO: I think it's something that's been in my family and something that I've always lived for. It's been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember!
My love of playing the game for my club, or the country, or the Lions, it's all the same. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy trying to give some people pleasure by doing some things that they might appreciate.
RYG: To a very passionate Irishman, when you walk out here in the Millennium Stadium, how does it feel hitting that Welsh turf?
BO: Yeah, it feels fantastic! You always get a great buzz. Probably one of the best atmospheres I was involved in was the final game of the 6 Nations Series when Wales won the Grand Slam.
The build-up to it, travelling to the game and seeing both sets of fans going mad, it was a fantastic feeling and one I'll certainly remember for a long time!
RYG: And for children who want to follow you - how important is training and being dedicated to the sport?
BO: I think training and being dedicated is very important, but one aspect that I always live by is that I enjoy myself in what I do! I love going out every day and training and being part of the team, and having friendships built up over a number of years. It's those aspects of sport that I feel are really important.
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