O’Driscoll here to stay

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL’S decision to sign a new central contract with the Irish Rugby Union can be linked directly to the ferocious demands he believes Europe’s leading clubs place on their top players.

O’Driscoll has ambitions to play in the French championship and had considered moving to the Continent next June, when his current contract with the IRFU expires.

But the Ireland captain does not agree with the “flogging” he sees many players receive in countries - like England and France - where the club game holds great influence.