UAE Rugby player profile:
Niall O’Driscoll
Dubai Eagles
Height: 6’ / 182cm
Weight: 14st / 88.9kg
Position: Wing/centre
Age: 31
Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
Years in UAE: Five months
Honours: Munster Rugby U18s and sevens. Cayman Islands international 15s and 7s
Favourite childhood memory of rugby: I have been fortunate enough to have played in teams that won the Munster Junior Cup and Munster Senior Cup, however, on both occasions my dad presented the trophies and medals to the team as he was involved in the Munster branch at the time
Favourite player growing up: Simon Geoghegan, was the most exciting Irish back I can remember growing up. Pretty sure he was born in England, but I guess I’m willing to overlook that fact
Rugby team you support: Ireland/Munster
Best international at the moment and why: Hard to look past Beauden Barrett at the minute, probably the best 10 in the world right now, and the perfect replacement for Dan Carter
Rule you would change and why: I think that the new rules which have been introduced this season are very good for the game and they will favor attacking rugby and therefore make it more enjoyable to watch. I would, however, like to see the introduction of more free-kicks instead of penalties for certain infringements
Best game you ever saw: Munster winning Heineken Cup finals in Cardiff is up there with the most enjoyable games I’ve seen
Toughest opponent in UAE (team or player): I haven’t been here long, but Jebel Ali Dragons are a great team, and also seem like a decent bunch of lads
Funniest/most embarrassing moment in your career: I once injured myself by running into a scrum machine at training
Greatest achievement in any sport: Captaining Cayman Islands National 7s team in the North American Caribbean Rugby Championship
If you could be a professional in any other sport what it would be and why? Golf. Less chance of injuries and longer careers
Favourite meal: If I could just eat chocolate and natural confectionery jellies all day that would keep me pretty happy
Favourite place in the UAE: Just moved into the Marina, really like that area
