In the Irish Independent Tony Ward argues that Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll should move to inside centre and give up the captaincy in order to prolong his Test career.
I sincerely believe the time is now right for him to move to inside-centre. It would make for a different playmaking role, but one to which he would be ideally suited at this stage of his career. And what better challenge than helping his outside-channel apprentice learn the ropes alongside the master in the midst of the action?
Think of the benefit to Fergus McFadden, Eoin O'Malley, Nevin Spence, Luke Fitzgerald, Eoin Griffin, Keith Earls or whoever it is to be. Imagine the focus O'Driscoll at inside-centre would demand, thereby creating time and space for the trainee alongside.
There is also the captaincy issue, and here again I would urge that a mature approach should be taken.
The role of captain in the professional age is not as demanding as it once was, but in saying that if passing on the armband lightens the on-field load for O'Driscoll, then it is a decision well worth considering.
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