FORMER IRELAND AND Leinster centre Brian O’Driscoll has agreed to join BT Sport as a rugby pundit.

The sports broadcaster has announced that O’Driscoll will “carry out various roles” for them, including acting as an on-screen rugby expert and ambassador.

Last month, the 35-year-old was added to the ‘Off the Ball’ team on Newstalk radio station, where he will work intermittently as a co-presenter alongside Ger Gilroy. These steps into the media world come as no surprise, given the iconic centre’s knowledge of the game and personality.

O’Driscoll’s main role for BT Sport will be as a rugby expert on coverage of the newly formed European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup. He will also appear on BT’s weekly rugby show ‘Rugby Tonight’.

BT Sport is screened in Ireland as part of the Setanta Sports Pack, so viewers here will have the pleasure of watching O’Driscoll’s foray into a new career if they are subscribed to that deal.

I’m excited to be embarking on one of the next steps in my career with BT Sport,” said O’Driscoll. “It’s a big change for me but I’m looking forward to the challenge and being involved at the inception of the brand new European tournament at a brand new channel like BT Sport.”

“I’m joining BT Sport because I’ve been impressed by their new and fresh approach to rugby coverage and I’m looking forward to being a part of their team.”

O'Driscoll helped Ireland to the Six Nations title this year. Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Meanwhile, Brian Quinn, Marketing Operations Director for Setanta Sports, said:

“There is no bigger name in Irish sport so we are delighted that Brian has chosen to join BT Sport’s rugby coverage.

“He brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience which will be a huge asset in BT Sport’s coverage of the new European Rugby Champions Cup. Irish fans will enjoy seeing his personality and experience shine through when the coverage starts.”