Brian O’Driscoll hopes to keep Leinster contact

Brian O'Driscoll has stated his desire to remain part of Leinster in some capacity following his retirement later this month.

Speaking to the media in UCD at lunch-time he said: “I still want to be part of it because it is special. You can feel there is something unique here.

“Leo (Cullen) is obviously going to be involved in the coaching ticket next year but I’ll always have a vested interest in Leinster because of the transition, from the places we managed to come from to where we are now. There are still great capabilities of growing.”

Considering his and Cullen’s retirements, O’Driscoll was asked how Leinster can remain a European powerhouse. “I think we are in very good shape. Matt (O’Connor) has a very clear idea how he wants to play the game. The province is still very much driven by the desire of the players.

“Even losing senior players like Johnny (Sexton)and Isa (Nacewa) last year, I think people might of have had concerns for us but I think we coped extremely well and people stepped up to the plate where needed.

“All be it a different style than we played under Joe (Schmidt) but it is still exciting, a good brand of rugby. We’ve got nothing yet this year but we are in a good place to win a trophy.”

Both players will be feted after Saturday’s last game of the regular season against Edinburgh at the RDS.

“If you look at the type of player coming through our academy and more importantly the type of people coming through our academy, who understand what it means to wear the jersey and understand our culture, what is expected of you....there are standards both on and off the field.

“Players come and go but this environment is going to stay and we want to build on what we’ve grown over the past five or six years. It’s exciting to have been a part of it.”

Not that he intends to disappear into the ether.