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Rugby Union

New Ireland coach could relieve O'Driscoll of captaincy

09/08/2008

New Ireland coach Declan Kidney could relieve centre Brian O'Driscoll of the captaincy to allow him to focus more on his own performance.

Kidney says O'Driscoll has been shouldering the captaincy for a long time and that handing the responsibility to someone else could breathe fresh life into the player and the rest of the team.

The former Munster coach said he would not be naming a captain until the Autumn internationals arrive but would continue to work closely with O'Driscoll.

He said: "Brian and myself have been talking and taking a look at things. Come November we'll take a good look at it and we'll see how things are going."

Although Ireland have won three Triple Crowns under O'Driscoll's leadership they have been unable to clinch a Six Nations title.

After crashing out of the last World Cup early the side came in for much criticism, with O'Driscoll's own below-par performances were put under the spotlight.

Kidney therefore feels a change of leadership could be required.

He explained: "At the moment, I think it's important that he just gets a chance to concentrate on his own game because he's been shouldering things for the last five years.

"We'll just see how things go and give Brian a chance to enjoy his own rugby."

Munster duo Paul O'Connell and Ronan O'Gara, who Kidney coached at club level, could be candidates to take over from the centre.

Kidney's first game in charge will be against Canada on November 8th before facing New Zealand a week later.