Rugby: O'Kelly's four-year wait is over

Malcolm O’Kelly set his sights on the 2001 Lions tour four years ago when witnessing his Ireland team-mate Jeremy Davidson steal the show in South Africa.

Davidson was one of the "bolters" of that 2-1 Test series victory over the Springboks, emerging as a player of genuine world class as his former London Irish team-mate watched in awe and more than a touch of envy.

"He’s always been slightly ahead of me," said O’Kelly, who is three months younger than his close friend.

"In 1997 he played the best rugby of his life. I was injured that season but, when I saw him play for the Lions, I just thought that could be me in four years time.

"I realised that, if he could do it, why can’t I and I set my sights for it this time around.

"He’s a really good friend. I knew what he was like and I knew I could do it as well."

The two big men have gone their separate ways at club level over the last four years, Davidson playing his rugby in France and O’Kelly returning to Ireland, but the pair will be fierce rivals for the second-row spots in the Tests Down Under.

With skipper Martin Johnson, Scotland’s Scott Murray and England’s Danny Grewcock around, coach Graham Henry is spoilt for choice at lock.

"There is unbelievable competition," said O’Kelly. "It’s probably the most difficult position. I think it’s fair to say Martin Johnson will be playing so there’s four top-class second rowers going for one position.

"I know Jez will be doing absolutely anything to get in the team and I’ve got to have the same mentality."

The personable O’Kelly, a 6ft 8in gentle giant off the field, will be hoping he is as popular among the coaching staff as he has been with the public relations companies in the build-up to the tour.

He has been in constant demand for personal appearances and promotions, even outperforming the much sought-after Brian O’Driscoll, and it’s a role he accepts with reluctance and grace in equal measure.

"Do I enjoy it? It’s part of the job," he answered diplomatically. "I’m not too photogenic.

"I don’t look forward to a photoshoot, it’s not my thing, but it’s protocol. It comes with the territory, so it’s fine."

O’Kelly is clearly happier plucking the ball from the line-out and driving opposition forwards back with his deceptive strength.

He was playing the best rugby of his career until Ireland’s promising Six Nations campaign was cruelly put on hold by the foot and mouth epidemic.

His Heineken Cup hopes were also dashed when Leinster failed narrowly to reach the knockout stages and he went back to play for his club St Mary’s College towards the end of the season to gain some match fitness.

Although a "must" for the tour in most eyes, O’Kelly dared not build up his hopes for fear of rejection and his Lions selection was greeted with more relief than joy.

"At that stage, the Press had decided I was a certainty," he said. "It would have been sickening to miss out, so I was just relieved.

"I’m training the whole time now. There are no more games, so I can get on the plane without any injuries.

"It’s about getting as much work under the belt. I played for St Mary’s a fortnight ago and it was grand. I played 70 minutes. I’ve only played about eight games this year, whereas the year before I played them all.

"I will be fresh and very keen as well, having missed most of the international season. We’re all very keen to be part of something after the whole thing fell apart."

O’Kelly, who missed the whole of the 1997 Five Nations Championship with a shoulder injury, is now fully fit and bursting to pull on the red jersey.

"I’ve had a lot of bad luck with injuries over the last four or five years," he said.

"That was one of reasons I came back from England, to break the voodoo.

"It’s just as hard over here but we don’t have as many games so there’s a chance to recover in training.

"It’s a pretty good system in Ireland, especially if you’re a contracted player. The clubs are semi-professional and young players are being developed."

At 26, O’Kelly has the world at his feet and he is looking forward to testing himself on the biggest stage of all.

His Lions selection was a dream come true but he has yet to fully tread in Davidson’s footsteps.

"It will be the highlight if I get in team," he said. "It won’t be if I don’t."