Brian O’Driscoll on the two current Irish players that “excite” him the most

The future is bright

2023 is shaping up to be arguably the most exciting and important year in the history of Irish Rugby. Following on from a hugely successful 2022, Andy Farrell's side begin the new year as the number-one-ranked team in the world, with England and France at home in this year's Six Nations – and the small matter of a Rugby World Cup just a few months away. Farrell named a 37-man squad for the Six Nations this morning, with the big shock being Joey Carbery's omission, a big statement from the Ireland head coach that shows that no one is safe given the incredible depth at his disposal in terms of selection. The Munster man loses out to provincial teammate Jack Crowley and Leinster's Ross Byrne, who have been picked alongside captain Johnny Sexton at out-half. Crowley has been fast-tracked into both the Ireland and Munster set-up in recent weeks and is seen as a real prospect, but it's two young Leinster forwards that excite legendary former Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll the most ahead of a huge year for Irish Rugby. “Of all the Irish players [Andrew] Porter and Caelan Doris excite me the most,” O'Driscoll said on BT Sport Doris particular has caught the eye of O'Driscoll, with the Leinster back-rower in scintillating form over the last few months.

“I think he's going to be one of Ireland's best players, I really do” O'Driscoll added. “His ceiling is infinite. He has so much ability. It's the ball-playing ability, the sleight of hand, the rugby intelligence – as well as the physicality and the footwork.

On the latest House of Rugby [LISTEN from 19:45 below], we also spoke about the importance of Doris to Leinster and Ireland's hopes of silverware. No doubt those two will be massive for Ireland in the weeks and months to come, alongside the likes of Sexton, van der Flier, Ringrose, Beirne, Furlong, O'Mahony – the list goes on. We've said this in the past but something feels different this time round. This truly is a special group of players, with an excellent coaching ticket and an exciting game plan from what we've seen so far. Let's hope it all continues to click and the men in green continue to create history in 2023.