Playing through the pain barrier: O'Driscoll facing six-month lay-off as he has surgery for trapped nerve

A selection of Brian O'Driscoll's injuries down through the years

O’DRISCOLL’S MAJORINJURIES: A SELECTION

2011

Six Nations: Sustains a neck/shoulder injury but continues to play through the pain barrier until a decision is finally taken to have an operation yesterday.

Misses Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games against Scotland, France (away) and England but plays every match in the tournament.

2010

Six Nations: carried off against England at Twickenham, concussed by a knee from team-mate Paul O’Connell 10 minutes from time. Medial knee ligament damage in final Six Nations game.

Heineken Cup: Damages hamstring against Racing Metro and exchanges role from centre to water-boy for Saracens match at Wembley.

Autumn Series: Cracks his jaw playing against Argentina but remarkably is back playing within three weeks. Misses Leinster’s Heineken Cup matches with Clermont Auvergne.

2009

Lions Tour of South Africa: The Ireland captain suffered concussion in the second Test, sustained during typically full-blooded hit on Dannie Roussow and didn’t play again until October.

2008

Six Nations: Tears a hamstring against Wales and isn’t around for Ireland’s defeat to England at Twickenham which was Eddie O’Sullivan’s last game in charge.

Heineken Cup: Knee ligament damage against Wasps which doesn’t stop his two try-scoring exploits but he fails to return for second half. Back in time to play next match in December, in which he also scores a try.

2007

Six Nations: Suffers a hamstring strain against Wales and misses Ireland’s first match in Croke Park, against France.

World Cup warm-ups: Fractured sinus when hit with a cheap shot during World Cup warm-up against Bayonne but recovers in time for tournament.

2005

Lions Tour: Shoulder dislocated as a result of spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu in first minute of first Test against New Zealand.

2001

February – Injures right shoulder playing against Biarritz and misses the start of the Six Nations

2000

May – Tears hamstring against the Barbarians and subsequently misses most of pre-season and the start of Leinster’s campaign.

Compiled by JOHN O'SULLIVAN