IRFU confident of keeping O'Driscoll

Irish rugby chiefs are “optimistic” that Brian O’Driscoll will continue his career in Ireland by agreeing a new contract.

O’Driscoll – whose current deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union expires during the summer – has been linked with a move to France and England, where clubs have been queuing up to sign one of the most gifted players in the game.

But the Lions centre is ready to snub a potentially lucrative move abroad in favour of staying with Leinster.

IRFU spokesman John Redmond said: “Brian has not yet put pen to paper but following discussions with his agent the IRFU are optimistic that he will stay at home in Ireland.

“The talks have been very promising so all the indications are that he will come on board soon.

"Tieing Brian down to a new deal is part of the IRFU’s ongoing policy of keeping all the top Irish players at home.

“

We have recently been successful in getting all these top players to stay in Ireland – Brian O’Driscoll is the last one to agree a new contract. But we are optimistic that is what he’ll do.”

O’Driscoll has been one of the game’s brightest stars since making his international debut against Australia in 1999, sealing his reputation in a glittering career which has already reached the 50-cap mark.

He led Ireland to their first Triple Crown in 19 years during this year’s RBS 6 Nations Championship and is also the nation’s leading try-scorer with 24, but his popularity extends far beyond his exploits on the pitch.

The 25-year-old Dubliner was recently voted Ireland’s sexiest man, beating Hollywood heartthrob Colin Farrell into second place, and enjoys superstar status in his homeland.

His handling of the Irish captaincy – which he has now taken on permanently following the retirement of Keith Wood – has won him many plaudits who have been impressed by his maturity.

O’Driscoll’s comfort with the leadership duties could land him the captaincy for next year’s Lions tour to New Zealand where he is a certainty to fill one of the midfield slots.

Next month he will feature alongside his Ireland centre partner Gordon D’Arcy during the Barbarians' three-match tour of Britain, which involves games against Scotland, Wales and England.