Schmidt appointment tempts O’Driscoll to give it one more year

Brian O’Driscoll last night dropped a major hint that Joe Schmidt’s appointment as Ireland coach could persuade him to continue his playing career, claiming the IRFU could not have “picked anyone who could encourage me more to hang on for another year”.

There has been speculation the Ireland centre would retire after the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia but the 34-year-old has indicated he will make his mind up on his future in July after discussing the issue with his wife Amy Huberman.

“There is the added carrot now that Joe is head coach. I have made no secret of my admiration for him,” said O’Driscoll. “He has been fantastic for Leinster and Leinster’s loss is Ireland’s gain.