O'Driscoll snubs move to France

Brian O'Driscoll has turned his back on the prospect of a move to French rugby by signing a four-year contract extension with the Irish Rugby Football Union which will keep him at Leinster until 2011.

The 27-year-old has decided to see out the best years of his illustrious career in Dublin, despite sustained interest from the likes of Biarritz.

Last season, the Lions captain made a personal appearance at the Basque club and hinted that he would relish a fresh start.

Instead, he has opted to abide by Ireland's preference for their leading lights to remain at home, which is a major coup for national coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

Much of the success of the Irish side in recent years has been attributed to careful management.

O'Sullivan has advocated long periods of rest for his top players and as they are centrally contracted, he has the power to enforce such a policy.

O'Driscoll insisted yesterday that he had not spent long mulling over his options. "I have spent my entire professional rugby career with Leinster," he said.

"When I sat back and thought about it, it was not a difficult decision to make. I'm happy with the coaching set-up and when you look at the quality of players in our squad, I did not see any reason to leave.

"We have set ourselves goals for this season and beyond and I want to remain part of those plans for the future."

The goal he has in mind is Heineken Cup success, especially as Munster and Ulster have reached the summit of European rugby, but Leinster have failed to do so thus far.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne welcomed O'Driscoll's decision to stay in Ireland, saying: 'This is another endorsement of the structures that are in place at both provincial and international level."

South Africa coach Jake White has named a team to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday featuring just one survivor from the 17-12 defeat in the corresponding fixture two years ago.

John Smith will lead the side, as he did in 2004, but elsewhere the line-up is unfamiliar as a raft of senior players are injured or have been rested from the tour.

With the Springboks fielding a new-look back three of Bevin Fortuin, Jaco Pretorius and Francois Steyn, the prolific try-scoring wing Bryan Habana has been switched to outside centre.

Fly half Andre Pretorius was in the South African side smashed by England and Scotland back in 2002, while Natal lock Johan Ackermann has been recalled at the age of 36.

Meanwhile, Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has served notice of the strength of his squad by 'rotating' 14 of his Test team for Saturday's clash with the Pacific Islands at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

New wonderkid James Hook moves from inside centre and is relieved of kicking duties as Jenkins considers his options.