Ireland Rugby
O'Driscoll: No plans to retire
ESPNscrum Staff
October 29, 2011
Brian O'Driscoll will continue playing Test rugby
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Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby. The 32-year-old, who has started 122 of his 123 appearances for Ireland, led the Irish to the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, including a pool stages win over Australia, before they lost to rivals Wales. And despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final four, O'Driscoll will continue playing for his country until he feels incapable of performing at the highest level. "People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?" O'Driscoll told the Irish Times. "It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you." O'Driscoll cited fellow Irishman David Humphreys - who played well into his mid 30s - as an example of an older player performing at the highest level. "David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong," he said. "That your time isn't up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me. "In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn't have a clue who you are. That's the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that's it. "Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds." "Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in." © ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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