FORMER Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is to be inducted into the Rugby Players Ireland hall of fame.
The former Ireland and Leinster centre was voted by a past-player body to join an elite club of rugby legends in the BNY Mellon Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame.
O’Driscoll will be the 18th person to be admitted into the prestigious group. joining former teammates Ronan O’Gara, Keith Wood and the late Anthony Foley.
The 39-year-old retired in 2014 as Ireland’s most capped player with 133 appearances, 83 as captain.
O’Driscoll will be honoured at Wednesday’s Zurich Irish Rugby awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin.
Speaking about his induction, he said: “When I set out in the game, all I wanted was to play and enjoy the game for what it was.
“However, throughout my career, I saw rugby grow in a way that I could never have imagined.
“Similarly, I never would have thought that my career would play out as it did.
“There are so many special experiences, friends and memories that I have the game to thank for. It was a privilege to represent my province and my country for so long.”
Simon Keogh, CEO at Rugby Players Ireland, said: “Having had the privilege of playing alongside Brian, I saw at first-hand just how talented a player he was on a daily basis.
“However, Brian has always been more than a rugby player. His contribution to the game transcended the sport and continues to do so.
“It is with great pride that rugby community now looks to Brian as he continues to represent our sport in such a dignified manner.”
Below is the list of the Ireland rugby players who have been inducted into the hall of fame.
Rugby Players Ireland hall of fame:
- 2003: Peter Clohessy and Mick Galwey
- 2004: Paddy Johns and Keith Wood
- 2005: Eric Elwood
- 2006: Jeremy Davidson
- 2007: Victor Costello
- 2008: David Humphreys
- 2009: Anthony Foley
- 2010: Girvan Dempsey
- 2011: Malcolm O’Kelly
- 2012: John Hayes
- 2013: Denis Hickie
- 2014: Simon Best
- 2015: David Wallace
- 2016: Ronan O’Gara
- 2017: Geordan Murphy
