Four-time British & Irish Lion Brian O’Driscoll insists there’s no room for sentiment as he prepares for his last-ever appearance for Ireland on home soil.
O’Driscoll is set for his 140th cap against Italy on Saturday – eight of which have been for the Lions – and as result will become the world record holder for number of international appearances.
Twelve months ago, O’Driscoll ran out for Ireland against France in Dublin and the 35-year-old thought it would be his last, before choosing to extend his career by one more year.
But while O’Driscoll, who won his first Lions series last summer, is sure to dominate the spotlight this Saturday, he is adamant the clash with Les Bleus will be business as usual.
“I'm excited about it being a last home game, for sure, in that it will be one to remember,” he said.
“But I really won't think too much on the final games until it's done and dusted, and there'll be plenty of time to reflect on it afterwards.
“There was emotion last year; against France I did at the time think that was going to be it.
“But a couple of different factors convinced me to play on for another year.
“I'm not really that emotional a person, and so I won't allow the build-up to affect me.
“Whatever emotions you do have after that will happen organically. Sure aspects will be difficult and I'll be sad, but I can't wait.
“There is no individual feeling, there really isn't. I've never been one for great sentiment. There's always time to reflect afterwards, and that's the time to do it. The team is the absolute priority.”
