Rory Best is due to retire after the World Cup

Brian O'Driscoll says Peter O'Mahony would be a natural successor to outgoing Ireland captain Rory Best.

Best has confirmed that he is likely to retire after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

A number of options emerge as potential successors, including less experienced names.

But BOD is backing O'Mahony as a strong candidate.

"Pete's your shoe-in No 6. He's respected and gets down and dirty every single game," he said.

Experience

"He doesn't really dip below 6 out of 10 performances - always a 7 through to a 9/10. Munster captain, lots of experience and a very old head on young shoulders. I'm not talking about now. I mean four, five, six years ago.

"He was old before his time. So I think he ticks all the relevant boxes."

On the potential of giving it to a younger name like James Ryan, BOD cited his own experience.

"I was too young at 23 to get it. It was work it out as you go," he said.

"But it was too great an honour to turn down."

He continued: "I probably wasn't the world's greatest orator, comfortable in stage situations. I used to stress about the captain's meeting the night before the game. I was comfortable on the pitch."

He feels "there's no hurry to fast-track" younger players into the role.

"James Ryan is undoubtedly a future Ireland captain," BOD added.

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