O’Driscoll tackles his future

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL spoke of the speculation over his future yesterday and, though he stressed his commitment to Leinster for the rest of the season, his words will have done little to soothe the fears of his paymasters.

They face the prospect of the Irish captain moving to France.

The 26-year old reiterated his claim he was merely in the south of France on holiday when he was invited to Biarritz by club president Marcel Martin - a long-time friend - to be guest of honour at a match with Stade Francais.

On a visit to Crumlin Children’s Hospital, he said: “People are always going to speculate when they see that kind of thing but at the moment, as far as I am concerned, I’m contracted to the IRFU and it’s going to be that way for another nine months. What happens after that, I guess there’s still going to be speculation.

“I definitely would think that (France) is an option. I’ve never hidden the fact that I admire the brand of rugby they play in France, particularly in the bigger clubs like the Biarritz’s.”

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson is confident the IRFU will offer the player a very competitive contract, but accepts that if O’Driscoll is determined to move for lifestyle reasons, as he has asserted, there will be little Leinster or the IRFU can do.

“Obviously we want Brian playing for Leinster next year. There is an element of free choice so he has to make up his own mind, but I don’t think the union will be found wanting when it comes to putting an offer on the table.”

Better news for Leinster arrived yesterday in the shape of New Zealand second row Bryce Williams and utility back Jonny Hepworth, both secured on one-year contracts.

25-year-old Williams arrives from Auckland with whom he won the 2003 NPC and Ranfurly Shield. He also has Super 12 experience and has four caps with the New Zealand Maoris.

Hepworth joins from English Super League side Castleford Tigers. He has played for Leeds Rhinos and the CAS Panthers in the Australian Rugby League and is described by Michael Cheika as a goal-kicking utility back.

Malcolm O’Kelly, who has not played since aggravating an abdominal muscle with the Lions, is expected to be fit for Leinster’s Celtic League game against Cardiff on November 15th, one week before they open their Heineken Cup match against Bath.

Both games will be played at the RDS where Leinster will host their Heineken Cup matches this season. Three temporary stands will be specially erected for the fixtures, giving a capacity of 13,500.