O’Driscoll And O’Connell To Be Available For Derby Clash
Having initially been named as captain of the squad, it has been confirmed that Brian O’Driscoll will not be lining out for the Barbarians against World Cup champions South Africa at Twickenham on December 1. His Ireland colleague Paul O’Connell, another player invited to play for the Baa Baas next month, will also be unavailable for the world famous invitational side.
In a joint statement released today by Leinster and Munster, it was confirmed that neither O’Driscoll or O’Connell will be available for selection for the Barbarians match against the Springboks.
The Baa Baas’ game clashes with the Munster v Leinster Magners League derby which will take place on Friday, November 30 at Musgrave Park.
“Contrary to media reports, neither Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell or any of the selected squads from the Leinster or Munster panels will be available for selection for the upcoming Barbarians match against South Africa on December 1,” the statement read.
“The Barbarians were notified of the players’ unavailability for this fixture several weeks ago.”
The Baa Baas, who will be coached for the Twickenham tie by Ireland supremo Eddie O’Sullivan, have played South Africa on five previous occasions with their last win being 1994’s 23-15 success at Lansdowne Road. O’Driscoll scored a try in the Baa Baas’ 41-31 defeat at the hands of the South Africans in Cardiff in December 2000.