Brian O’Driscoll is still worried about Ireland’s over reliance of playing Johnny Sexton at 10, and who is next in line to take over when the Leinster out-half eventually decides to hang up his boots. 

However, the Irish legend did reel off a list of potential successors to Sexton such as Ciaran Frawley, Joey Carberry, Jack Crowley and Michael Lowry. All players who can play in various positions across the backline, which to O’Driscoll is a plus. 

Speaking on Off The Ball, O’Driscoll emphasised the need for adaptable players like Frawley in a squad that will be competing at a World Cup next year. 

“Within a World Cup squad, you will need players like Frawley…he’s the perfect third 10, he plays 12, he plays 15, that’s your dream 30th man,” O’Driscoll said. 

While he admitted he did not know Frawley particularly well, O’Driscoll is certain that the Skerries man will be content to be a part of the World Cup squad in some shape or form. 

Frawley's World Cup aspirations 

“I’m sure he’s [Frawley] aspirational, but right now is Frawley thinking ‘I want to be a starter in the World Cup’? he’s not… because Johnny [Sexton] is ahead of him, Robbie Henshaw is ahead of him at 12, Hugo Keenan is ahead of him at 15” 

“He’s [Frawley] trying to make that World Cup squad, so that’s your perfect fit, where a guy that is thrilled to be there and supplement in at different positions where needed.” 

Ireland’s first game in the Autumn International’s is against South Africa on Saturday, November 5th,. Followed by Fiji on November 12th and finishing with a test against Australia on November 19th.  

Frawley, who in spite of being involved in the tour of New Zealand over the summer is still in search of his first cap, will hope to see some game time and impress the Irish coaching staff before the 6 nations campaign begins in February. 

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