Brian O’Driscoll has backed Andy Farrell’s decision to replace Peter O’Mahony as the Ireland captain ahead of the end-of-year Tests.
The flanker was named skipper ahead of the 2024 Six Nations following the retirement of Johnny Sexton at the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
However, Farrell has effectively been building to this moment since O’Mahony took on the role, with Caelan Doris developing his leadership skills over the past year.
Doris took on the captaincy responsibility when his back-row colleague was off the field and the number eight has now been selected in that position permanently.
O’Driscoll feels that it is the “obvious choice” and that any potential weaknesses can be ironed out over the next few years.
‘Diligent’ and a ‘deep thinker’
“Obviously, he’s the Leinster captain, one of the first names on the teamsheet. He’s certainly in the conversation for one of the two or three best players for Ireland at the moment; incredibly consistent, leading by example,” the former Ireland skipper told Off The Ball.
“I don’t know what’s being said behind closed doors regarding the conversation pieces, but that’s less important as you can grow that in time.
“I think that respect and the admiration of your peers [is important], and certainly there’s a strong respect overseas for him as someone that’s very much in the mix for Lions honours.
“He’s the obvious choice. Speaks well, very diligent professional, a bit of a deep thinker, and I think he ticks a lot of the boxes.
“The parts that he doesn’t have which we’re not particularly au fait with, he can develop them over time. No captain has all the answers immediately. I had hardly any answers when I started, so he’s definitely on a better footing than I was.”
Chosen ahead of Anthony Foley
Unlike Doris, O’Driscoll stated that he was a surprise selection when chosen as Ireland captain in 2003, but he still received superb support from the person who was overlooked – the late Anthony Foley.
“Anthony Foley was probably the obvious choice for Ireland captain when I was named. He was overlooked and I was very lucky that I had someone that I had a good connection with, we had a good respect for one another and he really helped me out,” O’Driscoll added.
“He didn’t throw the toys out of the cot and get in a huff, he was very much an additional voice for me. You need confidants, you need people that are close to you; that are going to tell you what’s good and also what’s not working.
“It makes sure that you stay in a positive direction, doing the things that are actually benefiting the team rather than going off-piste a little bit and losing your way.”
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