O’Driscoll will wait until July to decide rugby future

Brian O’Driscoll will make a decision on his rugby future in July and the Leinster player hopes that will be after a successful tour with the Lions.

The 34-year-old centre is in line to make it on a fourth trip to Australia this summer, although he is taking nothing for granted.

"I would love to be a part of a Lions team capable of winning a Test series and I think the team being put together by Warren Gatland is definitely capable of doing that in Australia. It's not a question of me having some unfinished business after 2001 – I just want to play in a winning Lions team.

"You can't really allow yourself to think too much about Lions selection in April. It is a serious time of the season for a lot of players and certain players will be hopeful of getting selected. But you just have to keep on trying to improve and make a few more headaches for the coaches.

"It is the last chance to leave a lasting impression and I will be no different to any other player in that respect this month. You mustn't over think it – just get on with what you do week in, week out."

O’Driscoll will concentrate on claiming both the Amlin Cup and Pro12 titles before the end of the season and is in line to make his return to the Leinster side for next Saturday’s trip to take on Munster at Thomond Park.

And regardless of whether he makes the Lions squad, to be named just after the European semi-finals at the end of April, he will delay making a decision on his future in the game until the summer.

"Who knows what the final act will be in my career. I just have to play it out this season and see how things unfold. Then I'll make a call after that," he added.

"I'm not under any massive pressure to make a decision. I will see what happens over the next few months and take a look at things in July."