BRIAN O’DRISCOLL EXPERIENCED his first round of applause of many coming this weekend at today’s Captain’s Run at the Aviva Stadium.
It was not a planned guard of honour, though, insists Jamie Heaslip, merely tongue-in-cheek recognition of the poor time-keeping which kept the centre in the dressing room until last.
“I think he was just milking it there, to be honest,” says Heaslip.
“We were just cold, waiting on him to get out so we could take the picture.
“I’m sure it will be an emotional day for him and his family. He’s given so much for Ireland and his teammates. I’ve been lucky to be his teammate for eight years. I kind of feel privileged to have played so many games with him.”
So, will it be an emotional day for the rest of the players?
“No, I’m not really a crying kind of guy.”
We’ll see, Jamie. We’ll see.