NEW IRELAND COACH Joe Schmidt knows that the decision on Brian O’Driscoll’s future will ultimately come down to his wife and baby daughter.
Another vintage O’Driscoll performance last weekend was greeted with chants of “One More Year” as a packed RDS tried to convince their hero to postpone his retirement.
Since his confirmation as Declan Kidney’s successor Schmidt has made no secret of the fact that he would love his provincial star to keep playing for another season, or maybe even more.
But the Kiwi says that BOD’s decision will all depend how wife Amy and daughter Sadie feel about him lacing up his boots again.
“It’s something you’re probably going to have to get Amy and Sadie to agree with,” Schmidt told Irish Rugby TV.
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“I’m not sure Sadie will have too much to say on it at this stage but I’m certainly sure that if Sadie’s sleeping well and she’s an easy baby, then maybe Amy will give him enough licence that he can get out and train and play.
“I think everyone would be delighted to see that.”
It was impossible to hide O’Driscoll’s broad grin as fans implored him to stay during the 44-16 drubbing of Biarritz, a win which booked Leinster’s place in the Amlin Challenge Cup final.
The province could finish the season with even more silverware if they bag a first Pro12 title since 2008 but the next month does not have to be his final act.
“It was great to see the smile on his face,” Schmidt said. “He acknowledged that that’s the sort of support that he engenders. He’s a super guy to have in the environment.
“He’s a great player, he’s very mentally tough, and so he’s got all the bits and pieces that you love to have in a player.
“I’d like him to certainly think positively about staying on for another season and maybe beyond because he’s certainly in pretty good shape.”
