Irish rugby union's latest president is Dr John O'Driscoll in his new role.
Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions Flanker Dr. John O'Driscoll Elected as IRFU President
Dr. John O'Driscoll, a renowned figure in Irish rugby, has been elected as the 136th President of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). The former international flanker, who represented Ireland 26 times and the Lions 19 times, has a rich history in the sport, both as a player and an administrator.
O'Driscoll's illustrious playing career began in 1978, when he was first capped for Ireland. He went on to make six Test appearances for the Lions, touring South Africa with the Lions in 1980 and New Zealand in 1983. One of his most significant achievements was helping Ireland win a first Triple Crown since 1949 in 1982, securing the Five Nations victory.
His club career was equally impressive. He played for Liverpool St Helens, Manchester, Connacht (at the provincial level for 13 seasons), and London Irish, where he was captain from 1979 to 1981, leading them to the John Player Cup final in 1980. For his contributions to rugby, he was named Irish Sportsman of the Year in 1980.
After retiring from playing, O'Driscoll took on coaching roles, notably coaching the Irish Exiles from 1991 to 1995, and later serving as President of the Irish Exiles from 2006 to 2010. He has also been involved in various selector and administrative roles within rugby.
In his new role as IRFU President, O'Driscoll has expressed a commitment to visiting clubs across Ireland and supporting the sport’s grassroots volunteers. He has also emphasised his focus on ensuring the success of Irish Rugby at every level, having held various administrative roles within the IRFU from 2016 to 2025, including as representative to World Rugby and Rugby Europe.
Upon his election, O'Driscoll expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Irish Rugby has provided him throughout his career, promising to continue his dedication to the sport in his new role.
[1] The Irish Times - Dr John O'Driscoll elected as new IRFU president [3] BBC Sport - Dr John O'Driscoll elected new IRFU president [5] The Guardian - Dr John O'Driscoll elected as new IRFU president
Despite his extensive background in Irish rugby, specifically as a player and administrator, John O'Driscoll now turns his attention to football within the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), aiming to support and promote the growth of this popular sport. In his new role, O'Driscoll may look to the strategic planning and development of football within the Union, building upon the legacy of his distinguished rugby career.
