Rugby News

Leinster and Ireland fans and, most pertinently, Declan Kidney, all had their hearts in their mouths when Brian O’Driscoll went down in the RDS last night, but he should be fine for the November Internationals.

The Ireland captain shipped a knock to his ankle after brilliantly orchestrating the move that led to a Jamie Heaslip try midway through the first half of the 59-22 victory over the Cardiff Blues last night and looked in serious discomfort while trying to play on afterwards.

Sensibly, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt decided to remove O’Driscoll at the earliest opportunity (the game was well up at that stage anyway) although BOD was visibly limping as he was helped off the pitch, with Leinster and Ireland fans immediately fearing the worst.

Thankfully for all of us and for Declan Kidney, it seems as if O’Driscoll is just fine, as Joe Schmidt was keen to ease everyone’s fears afterwards.

"Brian sprained his ankle,” Schmidt said.

“He was going to play on. In the end, we measured up the responsibilities that he has got coming up (with Ireland) and we replaced him. We don't think at this stage that it is too serious."

That’s good news for Leinster and very good news for Ireland as we’re not exactly flush with options in the 13 position at the moment, especially if Keith Earls is required to deputise at full back against the Springboks and Argentina next month.

With no major injury worries arising from the other games involving the provincial sides this weekend and with Felix Jones providing another potential option with an excellent return against Zebre, it was a good weekend for Declan Kidney, although he won’t thank O’Driscoll for testing his nerves to the limit yesterday evening.

Bring on November!