Ever get the impression Brian O’Driscoll, inset, would like to play for a French club at some stage in his career? The subject has been given yet another airing this weekend, though admittedly not at O’Driscoll’s instigation — it was Derek Foley, The Star’s rock’n’roll’n’rugby correspondent, who was asking the questions. “There are things happening,” said O’Driscoll.
“My IRFU contract runs out after the last ball has been kicked at the 2007 World Cup. But I have an agent in London and he’s working on what’s going to happen next season. The chances are I’ll be moving on. Of course it’s not definite but it’s pretty certain. “To be honest, I don’t know what kind of offers will materialise. What I do know is that the more attractive offers will come from France, and to be fair I’m interested in going somewhere that has a decent style of life.” After all the battles to keep him, the IRFU will probably be relieved to finally see him go
And about that other thing...
Seems people are still trying to arrange a rapprochement between O’Driscoll and Tana Umaga — even though O’Driscoll made it clear in a television interview this week that all wounds from Christchurch 2005 are fully healed. Geoff Windsor-Lewis, secretary of the Barbarians, confirmed he had hoped to get the two centres playing alongside each other against the Wallabies at the end of November, but that the crammed fixture list had forced the game to be cancelled. O’Driscoll has already made his peace with the former All Black, based on what he told Gerry Ryan on Ryan Confidential last Thursday evening: “I have to give myself peace of mind in that they’re (Umaga and Keven Mealamu) two genuine guys and that they didn’t actually mean it,” said O’Driscoll. “How can I not believe someone like Tana, that I have admired for so many years, when he does eventually say, ‘Honestly, I didn’t mean to do it. It was an accident. There was no malice and no intent.’ Having spoken to the two boys, I’ve got to take their word on it. I’d like to believe if the roles were reversed, that my word would be good enough for Tana”
Advertisement
Women’s World Cup
Ireland stand in eighth place at the Women’s World Cup after whupping South Africa 37-0 in Edmonton on Friday — but they could improve that to fifth if the play-off stages go to plan next week. The crucial game is against Scotland on Tuesday. Ireland will take encouragement from having defeated the Scots 17-6 in Edinburgh last month. The Scots produced a brave performance against favourites New Zealand during the week, trailing just 6-0 at half-time before eventually going down 21-0.
The level of interest in the girls’ performance is reflected in the number of hits taken by their official website, www.iwrfu.ie, which has just broken the quarter million mark in only its third season. This may have had something to do with the colourful world cup diary penned by Orla Brennan, the flanker from Blackrock. Here’s a taster, describing a trip to West Edmonton mall: “Psycho (Rachel Reid) reckoned she won the competition for purchasing the most food — chicken & blackbean sauce, chicken burger combo meal, two Mochas and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!” Eat up there, Psycho
Advertisement
Jonny comes marching home
Apologies to Jonny Bell, who was pronounced retired from professional rugby in these pages a couple of weeks back. As it turns out, there is every chance Bell may play for Ulster again. Following the genuine retirement, through injury, of New Zealander Mike Maguire during pre-season, Ulster have a centre slot to fill and it now looks as though this will be shared by Bell and youngster Darren Cave. Bell is currently doing a teaching degree at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, but a part-time contract would allow Mark McCall to use him wherever needed.
What’s in a name, Geordan?
Advertisement
As far as can be ascertained, two triple crowns in three years has not caused a sudden increase in the number of Irish babies christened Brian, Gordon or Ronan. We can, however, report the arrival of a Geordan Lavin earlier this year, to proud parents Sinead and Troy.
We’re almost certain that he is one of just two Geordans out there. The other, that noted Sunday Times columnist, certainly thinks so: “I thought I was the only one with that spelling,” he says. “I’m flattered.” Incidentally, baby Geordan has an older brother by the name of Hugo, so we suspect there may be an Irish full-back theme developing.