RUGBY:DESPITE THE drumming of a now familiar beat, Brian O'Driscoll is not even contemplating the end of his international playing days. "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?" said O'Driscoll yesterday

“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’s comments come in an interview with The Irish Times as he discusses his new role as chairman of Irupa – the Irish Rugby Players Union.

Considering the post-World Cup calls within some sections of the media for him to step aside, the national captain was content to address the issue. Thirty three in January, he lists other world class operators like Brad Thorn, Simon Shaw and David Humphreys who continued playing into their late 30s.

“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,” O’Driscoll continued. “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.”

He was back training this week and is expected to return to action for Leinster against Munster next Friday night at the Aviva Stadium. “Yeah, the fun and games begin again.”

Of course, the end will eventually come for this the most successful generation of Irish rugby players, hence, there is a collective desire to leave a lasting legacy behind them. Their involvement with Irupa, under the guidance of new chief executive Omar Hassanein, provides an opportunity to do this.

O’Driscoll, chairman of the board, is joined by Paul O’Connell as the Munster representative, Rory Best looks after the Ulstermen interests, Shane Jennings in Leinster and Gavin Duffy for Connacht.

“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,” said O’Driscoll. “Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds.”

Just like he never saw men like Fergus Slattery, Willie John McBride or Mike Gibson play? “Exactly, and those guys did some incredible things on Lions tours but of course it is who you’ve watched growing up. That’s the stark reality of it. I have spoken to Mike Gibson about it. There will be a core of people who will always have a respect but that new generation coming through? Nah, they won’t know who you are and that’s just life.”

With so many natural leaders in the current group, can we expect to see them eventually progressing to influential off-field roles in Irish rugby? “I would envisage it would be difficult to vanish from the scene forever.

“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.”

We gently probe – coaching perhaps? “Never say never. I don’t know. It is a difficult one to see. It is not something that is causing me sleepless nights at the moment. It is something that I will fall into if it is meant to be.”

Winter is upon him but it’s not dark yet.