Brian O’Driscoll will play on for another year for Ireland and Leinster, but is unavailable for the Challenge Cup final.
Brian O’Driscoll ended speculation about his future by signing a new one-year deal to play on for Ireland and Leinster, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) revealed on Thursday.
However his club then announced he will miss Friday’s Challenge Cup final against Stade Francais in Dublin after failing to recover from a back spasm he suffered during his side’s Celtic League play-off semi-final victory over Glasgow last weekend.
“Brian O’Driscoll has failed to recover from the injury that he sustained last weekend,” said Leinster on their website when announcing the team to face Stade.
The 34-year-old’s absence means Fergus McFadden will partner Ian Madigan in the midfield instead.
The Ireland legend had been widely tipped to hang up his boots following the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia next month.
He did not report for the Lions’ initial gathering in London three days ago, yet Leinster had been hopeful he would recover in time to face Stade.
His previous contract with the IRFU and Leinster was due to end following the Lions tour but has now been extended until June 2014.
“I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me the time to think about my future and discuss my options with my family,” O’Driscoll said.
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