Brian O’Driscoll Admits One Thing He’ll Never Do Watching His Son Play Rugby

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 09:54

byRugby Rucker

You might think Brian O'Driscoll would be coaching from the sidelines — but the Ireland legend has a very different approach when it comes to watching his son play rugby.

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The former Ireland captain revealed he has one strict rule while watching his son Ted in action — and it all stems from his own experience growing up.

Brian, who shares Sadie, Billy and Ted with wife Amy Huberman, opened up about family life during an appearance on chef Mark Moriarty’s Roasted podcast.

During the chat, O’Driscoll revealed that his children and the children of fellow Ireland great Johnny Sexton all play rugby together.

But despite two of Ireland’s greatest-ever players standing on the touchline, Brian insists there’s no shouting instructions from either of them.

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Brian O’Driscoll explains his sideline rule

Reflecting on his own childhood experiences, O’Driscoll admitted he is determined not to become an overly vocal rugby parent.

“My dad was so vocal, I used to be like, ‘please be the second loudest dad’. I am very conscious I don’t say anything.”

The 46-year-old then revealed Sexton follows the exact same approach while watching his own children play.

“Neither of us say a whole lot! We just watch and see what’s going on, let them enjoy it… there’s so much, ‘would you like your son to be a professional rugby player?’ — let them enjoy it, see where it goes.”

O’Driscoll jokes about son’s toughness

Despite staying quiet on the sidelines, O’Driscoll admitted he’s been impressed by his son’s fearlessness on the rugby pitch.

And in typical fashion, he couldn’t resist aiming a joke at wife Amy Huberman.

“He must have his mother’s toughness because I was nervous about making tackles!”

The comments have struck a chord with rugby fans, many praising both O’Driscoll and Sexton for allowing their children to simply enjoy the sport without pressure.