No World Cup swansong for BoD

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that he will not take part in the 2015 World Cup in England as it is “18 months too far.”

O’Driscoll attended the World Cup pool draw in London on Monday where Ireland were pitted against France and Italy. The 33-year-old said he experienced a sense of the World Cup vibe at the occasion but admitted that he does not expect to participate in the tournament.

"It's weird, coming in I was very relaxed, no pressure's on it because I don't for a second anticipate that I'll have any involvement [in the World Cup]," O’Driscoll told the Irish Independent.

"But something stirs you deep down. I think it's probably 18 months too far."

"I think it's fair to say I'm not going to make it. If I did, I'd be as shocked as you would be, so it's best if I just say, no, it's highly unlikely."

Although O’Driscoll, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, was coy about his retirement plans, his comments suggest he will call time on his illustrious career after the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia next year.

"I don't know [about retirement] because I haven't even wanted to contemplate next year because I'm not playing. It's hard to talk about that [when likely to retire] when you're not playing.

"So when I get into Six Nations camp, hopefully I'll get back playing and see how that works out, see how the body feels. It's funny, I was sitting there today and still I was enthusiastic. A little bit of you is resigned to the fact that you're not going to be there, but it doesn't mean you don't want to be.

"It's just the body can only last so long and we'll see how much longer I can get out of it. If I'm still at the level I need to be at to play international rugby, I'll continue playing because I still enjoy it.

"But I need to know when to call it a day as well, I need to listen to this [his body]."