Drico may play on if Ireland opt for Schmidt

Brian O’Driscoll has intimated he would lean more favourably towards extending his career beyond this summer if Joe Schmidt is, as expected, handed the job of taking over from Declan Kidney as Ireland coach.

The former Ireland captain has held his cards close to his chest regarding his plans post-Lions tour with a decision one way or another promised on his expected return to Ireland from Australia in July. The prospect of working under the Kiwi at national level would certainly qualify as a considerable incentive for a player who will have otherwise signed off on his Ireland career with a depressing defeat and sin-binning in Rome last month.

Schmidt has proven himself to be one of the top coaches in the world at Leinster and has spoken positively of the talent available to whomever takes over Ireland, all of which would ensure high expectations for the national XV next season.