O'Driscoll sends ladies good luck message

Leinster and Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll has sent a message of good luck to the Irish women’s rugby team as the squad prepare for their departure to Canada for the IRB Rugby World Cup this Sunday.

The fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup is to be held from August 31 to September 17 in Edmonton, Canada, and Ireland will face France, the US and South Africa in their pool games.

The goodwill message from O’Driscoll comes just days before the team’s official farewell function at Lansdowne Road on the eve of their departure to Canada.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the players and management of the Ireland women’s rugby squad the very best of luck in the forthcoming World Cup campaign in Canada.

"The women’s game is getting increasingly stronger year by year and I know that the team will be competitive again in Canada. I also know that all the clubs, schools, provinces and supporters will be right behind you.”

He added that it was important for the players enjoy their time at the tournament.

“It is a massive honour to represent your country at any level and in any sport and I would encourage all the players to forget about the hype, channel the nerves in a positive manner and to, above all, enjoy the next few weeks.”