Both Ireland and Leinster legends have had a remarkably decorated career.
Brian O’Driscoll has opened up about the one thing he feels like he missed out on during his career, and expressed his jealousy towards former teammate Johnny Sexton for his longevity in the game.
Both Leinster backs captained their country, became Irish centurions and lifted Six Nations trophies with their teammates, with O’Driscoll retiring in 2014 and Sexton hanging up his boots in 2023.
During an interview with Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf podcast, the 45-year-old father of three revealed that seeing Sexton sharing the later years of his rugby career with his son Luca left him somewhat envious.
“I don’t know if we pay all that much heed to it (my rugby career)…..I’ve been to games with them (my kids), so that’s lovely, you’re kind of reminiscing, but you’re living those experiences vicariously through them really, rather than for yourself…I’m not going for myself anymore, I’m going to watch their joy and a little bit of me feels it’s a shame that they weren’t around or old enough to enjoy even a couple of years.”
O’Driscoll continued: “You look at someone like Johnny Sexton who had so much joy with his children and a bit of heartbreak as well, but a little bit of you thinks that would’ve been nice.
“I don’t think my son has ever watched a YouTube clip of me in his life, it’s Messi and Ronaldo.”
Wait until those kids grow up and see a clip of O’Driscoll’s try against Australia during the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour. Messi and Ronaldo could never.
Related links:
- British and Irish Lions players to take home a share of next year’s tour profits thanks to new landmark agreement
- Johnny Sexton admits he wanted to ‘protect’ himself by reigniting Rieko Ioane feud in new book
- Simon Easterby confirms Andy Farrell will not be involved in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign
