Rugby.. Ireland

Ireland:

Ireland is ranked as the top 5 best team in the world today, as New Zealand is Number one. The team is captained by the well known Brian O'Driscoll, He has Captained the team to victory by winning the 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2009 and also lead out the Lions team in 2005 in New Zealand.

He was on the Senior squad at the age of 20, and even though losing to Australia established himself as one of the rugby top outside centres. He brought Ireland to victory when he played a hat trick of tries on the French team and winning to them since 1972. Brian's popularity in Ireland grew and supporters began to wear t-shirts saying 'In BOD We Trust'. In 2002 Brian starred in Ireland's win against Australia 18-9.

After the retirement of Ireland's Captain Keith Wood, Brian brought Ireland to success getting 2nd place in the 6 Nations. Which was followed by winning the Triple Crown in 2004. Brian captained the team to victory over South Africa.

In 2009 he brought the team to victory by winning the Grand Slam after 61 years, he scored a try in every match except one. On the 15th November of that year he was named he was nominated for International Rugby Board Player of the year, but losing by one point to Richie McCraw, but after much polling done by fans and supporters he was named Player of the 2009 6 Nations Championship.

In 2010 he captained every match but the match against Wales he picked up his 100th Cap in the Millennium Stadium. Brian has played the last 3 world cups and has picked up 13 caps and 6 tries he has became the most capped player on the 26 June 2010 against Australia.

Irish and British Lions team:

On the 11 April '05 he was announced the Captain for the tour to New Zealand, prior to that tour he had been named captain for the Northern Hemisphere side for the IRB Aid Match. But had to with draw due to shoulder injury but still showed up at match side to watch the game.

In 2005 playing against the All Blacks ended up him being carried off by a stretcher in the first few minutes due to a shoulder injury after being spear tackled by two of the All Blacks after the ball had been cleared out of a ruck. He extended his arm to protect his head but dislocated his shoulder on impact.

21st April 2009 he was selected for the tour to South Africa on June 1st was captained for the Golden Lions team taking place on 3rd June. It was the first time he had played with the Lions team since his spear tackle back in '05. He was forced to with draw on the 30th June due to head injury and subsequent concussion he suffered on the second test.