Q&A: Brian O'Driscoll

Tune in and listen to BBC Sport Online's forum with Ireland and Lions rugby union star Brian O'Driscoll.

real 14k click here to listen

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Brian O'Driscoll has fast become one of the most highly rated centres in the world.

Since making his international debut against Australia in 1999 the 22-year-old Blackrock centre has gone on to win 15 caps and score 48 points.

O'Driscoll is set to get the Lions nod along with likes of Will Greenwood and Mike Catt as Graham Henry chooses a three-quarter line to tackle the mighty Aussies on their home turf.

BBC Sport Online gave you the opportunity to quiz the man himself.

Tune in and listen to BBC Sport Online's forum with Ireland and Lions rugby union star Brian O'Driscoll.

real 14k click here to listen

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Dominic Macklin from England asks:

What inspired you to take up rugby? Also,did you play from a young age.

I picked the game up when I went to the junior school of Blackrock college which is big rugby school in Ireland and to Willow Park. The reason I was inspired is because everyone played rugby - it's such a big rugby school - even if you don't like it you give it a try.That's what I did and I took to it like a duck to water.

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James Brady of England (but 100% Irish) asks:

Congratulations Brian. Irish rugby is experiencing a huge upturn and indeed had Ireland completed their games possibly would have had a few more in the Lions squad. How do you feel the Irish would have fared in both the Six Nations and in the Lions selection had they completed their Six Nations programme? I'm sure Denis Hickie is very upset at missing out. (See you for a drink in Sydney on July 14th?)

Obviously we were hopeful for the remaining three games having come off the back of two wins. It's hard to say - with England in such great form it would be very very difficult to beat them - but at the same time we would have been very hopeful against the Welsh and the Scots. It's hard to say how things can pan out.

I'm very disappointed for Hickie because I'm a very good friend of his - it would have meant a huge amount to him - but I'm not there to be select a team.

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Mark Perry asks:

How much of your success can to attribute to your friend, neighbour and mentor: Mark Perry.

None of it!

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Gerard Maguire asks:

I'm sure that you are delighted to be selected as a Lion, but are you disappointed that so few Irish players were named in the squad?

I wouldn't say disappointed. Obviously I'm disappointed for Hickie - I thought he was playing good stuff. I think the fact foot and mouth came in really disrupted the Ireland situation and in particularly Dennis missed out as a result - but at the same time you have to be thankful that your there and look to an enjoyable tour.

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Mark O'Riordan and Conal Keane of Ireland ask:

Brian, well done on making the selection for the final squad. Ideally, who would you like your centre partner to be in Australia? Please don't say you would be happy to play alongside anyone!!

Are you disappointed Hickie and Wallace didn't make the trip? Would you rather play with Hendo or Greenwood in the test matches?

I enjoy playing alongside Hendo for Ireland; I enjoy playing beside Shane Horgan for Lenster and Kevin Maggs for Ireland - to be honest it really doesn't matter!

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John Garvey of Ireland asks:

In your first Six Nations season, you used to celebrate scoring a try by placing your thumbs and forefingers together as a gesture to someone in the crowd. What was that all about?

That's going to remain private, for my eyes and those of one of my sister's mates. It's something we have a little laugh about, but it keeps people intrigued.

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Catriona Mackenzie of the UK asks:

Brian: congratulations on being selected for the Lions squad. I was wondering, what is the strangest thing that you've ever read about yourself?

Probably the weirdest thing was when I made my hand signal to my sister's friend after the French game and I was asked was I making a triangle from the Playstation joystick.

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Paul asks:

I don't know if you remember but I flattened you taking a crash ball off the blindside playing for Exeter against UCD in December 98 (I'm still dining out on that story.) What single moment has been the highlight of your career so far?

I'd be stupid not to say the three tries I scored in Paris last year, along with playing under 19s for Ireland and winning the World Championships in France. I keep great thoughts and fond memories of them.

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James Kyle asks:

Brian, you've had some problems with your hamstrings this year. How are they now and do you feel your acceleration is back to what it was after the French game in Paris? My hamstrings are good, touch wood, at the moment. I get them stretched out every week. A physical therapist does some unbelievable stretching with me. I haven't had any trouble with them for a while so I'm touching wood nothing goes wrong. As regards my acceleration, I'd like to think I'm as quick as I was then, but if I'm not, I'm not far off.