Legend - The Biography of Brian O'Driscoll

Book excerpt: BRIAN O'DRISCOLL is one of the greatest outside centres in history, not just in Ireland, but throughout the world. He is Ireland's most capped player of all time and has led the team as captain in a staggering 83 tests, including leading Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 60 years when they won it in 2009. Voted 'Player of the Decade' by Rugby World in 2010 Brian O'Driscoll is, quite simply, the most celebrated player in the sport today. Ever since his first match for Leinster in 1999 - he would go on to make his debut for Ireland that very same year - O'Driscoll has shown the explosive strength, poise and guile that has led him to the top of the game. Despite this, he has had his low moments, most notably when in 2005 he had to be carried off of the field in the opening minutes of the first test of the Lions tour of New Zealand after a spear tackle from Umaga and Mealamu. Fully updated to include Leinster's thrilling victory over Ulster in the 2012 Heineken Cup, his marriage to Threesome actress Amy Huberman, the birth of their first child, Sadie and the 2013 Lions tour, this is the definitive book on O'Driscoll's career.