Of all the rugby legends to have graced the pitch, few command as much universal respect as Ireland\u2019s iconic centre, Brian O\u2019Driscoll. <\/p>\n
During his 15-year international career from 1999 to 2014, O\u2019Driscoll faced the best the world had to offer, racking up an impressive 133 caps for Ireland, with an additional eight for the British & Irish Lions.<\/p>\n
Since hanging up his boots, O\u2019Driscoll has seamlessly transitioned into punditry, where he\u2019s become one of the most engaging on-screen voices in rugby today.<\/p>\n
But in a reflective moment, the Irish great shared his ultimate Dream XV \u2013 and, surprisingly, four England players made the list.<\/p>\n
BRIAN O\u2019DRISCOLL DREAM XV:<\/p>\n
BACK-THREE:<\/p>\n
15. Jason Robinson (England)<\/p>\n
Explosive dual-code international who starred in both rugby league and union. A World Cup winner in 2003, Robinson was renowned for his electric footwork, acceleration, and ability to beat defenders in tight spaces.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Driscoll on Robinson: \u201cTo get to see in close quarters what he was capable of. You see so much on a Saturday, but when you\u2019re training and playing and watching players of that calibre leading up to a Saturday. You see some exceptional stuff that cameras don\u2019t always catch.<\/p>\n
\u201cJason, I knew so little of him in 2001 other than his rugby league talent. But to have a full appreciation of what his footwork was like, you need to defend against it, and it was horrible at times in training.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would\u2019ve analysed him a lot as I played against him, he was equally comfortable on either foot, it made no difference to him. There was no preference on ball carry, you just could not work him out. He honed the ability to be unpredictable as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe might\u2019ve been a small guy, but he packed a serious punch too.\u201d<\/p>\n
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)<\/p>\n
A prolific try-scoring winger for Ireland and the Lions, Bowe combined pace, power, and intelligence. Twice a Six Nations champion and 2009 Lions Test starter, he was one of Europe\u2019s most consistent wide men.<\/p>\n
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)<\/p>\n
The sport\u2019s first true global superstar. At 6\u20195\u2033 and 120kg with sprinter speed, Lomu revolutionised wing play in the 1990s, dominating World Cups and redefining what was possible in the back three.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Driscoll on Lomu: \u201cNo-one transcended the sport of rugby union quite like him; he was a force of nature with a blend of pace, power and size that has never before been seen, certainly in a winger. He had all the qualities you would aspire to in a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n
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