Brian O’Driscoll has hinted at his desire to enjoy one final Lions swansong.
The Ireland and Lions great is currently on the physio’s bench having undergone shoulder surgery following the World Cup.
O’Driscoll returned to Leinster’s training base this week as he begins an arduous six-month rehabilitation process.
"It’s a little over two weeks since I was under the knife and I'm feeling pretty good, the movement is coming back, it's just going to be a slow process, so I have to have a bit of patience," said O'Driscoll.
"I was only in (hospital) for a fraction over 24 hours and it's just been a case of taking rest. I am not a great person to be sitting around.
“I was told to do nothing for two weeks after the operation which was Wednesday, but I snuck in on Monday to do a sneaky 'bike' to alleviate that bit of extra pressure I was feeling."
But the three-time tourist is aiming to come back better than ever for a final 12-months of Test rugby before bowing out of the international game.
"I certainly feel I have got a really big year in me next year," O'Driscoll told Newstalk Radio.
"I have got the hunger and ambition to get really, really fit, really strong.
“ I haven't done upper body weights for about three years because of various shoulder and neck issues, so I'll get back in the gym and get really powerful again and, with a bit of luck, have one last hurrah, a big year, and then know when to call it quits.
"People are talking about getting back and having one more go at the Lions, but the way Eoin (O'Malley) and Fergus (McFadden) are going, let's get back in the Leinster team first. I am acutely aware that I can't take anything for granted in rugby because I have seen how fickle it can be."
