Brian O’Driscoll, who was replaced as Ireland captain by Jamie Heaslip recently, has confirmed this year’s Six Nations is likely to be his last.

Ireland’s second-most-capped player, behind Ronan O’Gara, has said “there’s a strong possibility” this campaign will be his final fling after 13 years playing in the tournament.

“There’s every chance it’s my last Six Nations but I haven’t really allowed myself to start thinking about finishing,” he told the BBC. “If you start thinking about it too early, you’re one foot into retirement already. I’m contracted until the summer and I’ll see how my body feels.”

The 34-year-old has scored 45 tries in 120 appearances for Ireland, but has struggled with injuries in recent years. Since making his Six Nations debut in 2000 he has only missed 10 matches in the tournament, five of which were last year, when he sat out the entire campaign with injury.

He faces Wales tomorrow and still harbours ambitions to captain the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer.

O’Driscoll was captain in 2005 in New Zealand but a spear tackle seconds into the first Test ended his tour.

“It would be an honour that would be too big to pass up again,” said O’Driscoll. “I got to do it once, albeit for only 25 seconds of a Test match, so it would be nice to get another opportunity. But first things first, I’ve got to get myself into a position to get myself on the tour and deserve my spot.”