O’Driscoll leaves team after close friend’s death

The Leinster and Ireland rugby star Brian O’Driscoll was said to have been devastated by the news of his friend’s unexpected death.

RUGBY ace Brian O’Driscoll withdrew from the Irish team which faced the Barbarians in Gloucester last night and returned to Dublin following the unexpected death of a close friend.

The Ireland captain had been expected to lead an Irish XV drawn largely from Leinster and Ulster, with most interest surrounding his new centre partnership alongside the highly rated Luke Fitzgerald.

O’Driscoll was replaced by Gavin Duffy and Leinster wing Shane Horgan captained the side.

The Ireland squad to tour the southern hemisphere is due to leave for New Zealand at the end of this week but it is not yet clear whether O’Driscoll will travel with the squad.

The shock death of one of O’Driscoll’s closest non-rugby friends, with whom he had recently celebrated his friend’s engagement, yesterday prompted his speedy return home.

The Leinster and Ireland rugby star was said to have been devastated by the news of his friend’s unexpected death.

O’Driscoll and his team mates have been busily preparing for away tests against New Zealand and Australia next month.

While rugby sources suggested that it was unlikely O’Driscoll would withdraw from the eagerly awaited southern hemisphere tour, there was no comment last night from the national squad.

Yesterday, O’Driscoll hailed Munster’s latest Heineken Cup triumph and admitted he was “very envious” of their achievements.

Munster have received criticism for their tactics in the 16-13 European title-clinching victory over Toulouse in Cardiff, but Leinster star O’Driscoll believes the Irish club — European champions twice in the last three seasons — have been given a raw deal.

“To be honest, I am very envious of it and I make no secret of that. They have been in four finals, and for that you have to take your hat off to them,” he said.

“The Heineken Cup is notorious for producing poor rugby in a final, but they ground it out. They recycled the ball and killed the clock, and I applaud them for it.”