Dublin-born Brian O'Driscoll, known affectionately as 'BOD' is one of the greatest centres in world rugby, and has established himself as the undoubted talisman and leader of Irish rugby.

Having been educated at Blackrock College and then at University College Dublin, Brian raced through from the Schools side to the senior team in just three years, wining the FIRA U19 Youth World Cup along the way.

Brian made his senior debut in 1999 on Ireland's summer tour, and went on to play in all four of Ireland's games in the World Cup that year, scoring his first try against the US Eagles. In 2000 he was an ever-present in Ireland's 6 Nations campaign and it was in this tournament that Brian really announced his name on the world radar, scoring a hat-trick of tries to lead Ireland to their first win over France in Paris for 28 years; a genuine star had been born. Since that day he has continued to dazzle the world with his frightening turn of speed and direction, formidable agression and above all the ability to inspire those around him and turn a game by his sheer force of will and determination.

The highlights in his career have been many. In 2001 his superstar staus was cemented with an unforgettbale solo try against Australia for the British and Irish Lions, and after a scintillating hat-trick in the 6 Nations in 2002 Brian was nominated for the IRB World Player of the Year award.

In 2002 on winning his 31st cap against Australia Brian captained Ireland for the first time, and in 2004 became the skipper elect in place of Keith Wood after his retirement. Since then he has led Ireland to wins over the likes of England, South Africa and Australia in what has been one of Ireland's most successful eras.

Whilst the honour of being chosen to captain the Lions in 2005 was dramatically cut short by an injury in the opening moment of the first Test, Brian's recovery and subsequent success in leading Ireland to two Triple Crowns in 2006 and 2007, and being named Player of the Tournament in both years is testament to the influence this one man has had on the game in Ireland.

Brian surpassed Keith Wood's captaincy record of 36 tests when Ireland played against Italy in the 2007 6 Nations, and has now gone on to become Ireland's record try scorer of all time after his try against Argentina in the 2007 World Cup. Despite a disappointing World Cup campaign which failed to live up to expectation, Brian's reputation remained untouched as he inspired and fought to lift his team and almost succeeded in single-handedly guiding them through against Argentina.