O’Connor looking for more than just a centre to replace iconic No 13

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor believes any replacement for Brian O’Driscoll will have to be a perfect fit, not just on the field but for the environment being generated at the province.

Fresh from a successful defence of their RaboDirect Pro12 title courtesy of a 34-12 final win over Glasgow at the RDS on Saturday night, O’Connor must find a successor to the now retired O’Driscoll, whose illustrious career came to an end just nine minutes into the Dublin decider.

O’Connor has been linked with a move for Ulster’s soon-to-be Irish-qualified Jared Payne while Gordon D’Arcy was excellent filling in for long-time midfield partner O’Driscoll on Saturday, Zane Kirchner has expressed his desire to wear the No 13 jersey and Leinster also have Ian Madigan and Noel Reid, amongst others, capable of playing there.