Brian O’Driscoll has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a one-year contract extension with Ireland and Leinster.

O’Driscoll was expected to conclude his 14-season professional career after the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, but has instead chosen to re-sign with the Irish Rugby Union until the end of June 2014.

The 34-year-old stated throughout the RBS 6 Nations that he had not made a decision, with his fitness and family commitments having the ultimate say, but the scenes at what was potentially his final match at the Aviva Stadium against France on March 9 suggested the end was close.

“I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me the time to think about my future and discuss my options with my family,” O’Driscoll said.

“The support my family and the Irish and Leinster fans have shown me over the past few months, and indeed years, has been phenomenal and I’m now very much looking forward to one more year playing with Ireland and Leinster.”

O’Driscoll will miss the Amlin Challenge Cup final against Stade Français because of a back spasm, but the problem is not expected to prevent him from touring with the Lions.

He has often stated that the condition of his body would help determine his future, having sat out Ireland’s 2012 autumn campaign due to ankle surgery, while shoulder and hamstring problems have troubled him in the past.

Also shaping his decision were the wishes of his family after wife Amy gave birth to their first child Sadie in February.

But the recent appointment of Joe Schmidt to succeed Declan Kidney as Ireland’s new head coach has contributed towards his willingness to play on for a further year.

Schmidt, who has worked closely with O’Driscoll at Leinster, welcomed the centre’s decision.

“It’s great that Brian has agreed to continue playing. He’s an inspirational player, not only on the pitch, but also on the training ground,” Schmidt said.

“He’s played well again this season and other players continue to learn from him.

“I know that every squad of which he is a part will profit from his qualities both as a rugby player and a person.”

O’Driscoll was a candidate to lead the Lions tour and headed the betting for the post at the start of the Six Nations, only for his form to dip.

He was included among the 37 players named by head coach Warren Gatland last month and is a leading contender to make the Test team on what will be his fourth Lions tour.

Since making his Test debut in 1999, he has made 125 appearances for Ireland to become his nation’s most capped player and top try-scorer after crossing 46 times.

The 2009 Grand Slam tops a roll of honour that also includes four Triple Crowns, three Heineken Cups and two RaboDirect Pro 12 championships.

“The IRFU is delighted that Brian has chosen to sign a new contract, ensuring he remains available to Ireland and Leinster for one more year,” IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said.

“Brian is a truly exceptional talent and there is no doubt that this new contract will boost our game at every level in the coming year.”

Joe Schmidt takes the reins on July 1.

Joe Schmidt has welcomed the “super but intimidating” prospect of leading Ireland after being appointed head coach until 2016.

Schmidt’s promotion from Leinster, who he guided to successive Heineken Cup crowns in 2011 and 12, to the top job in Irish rugby was confirmed overnight when he signed a three-year contract.

The 52-year-old New Zealander will officially begin work on July 1 with Les Kiss – the attack coach under Schmidt’s predecessor Declan Kidney – overseeing the summer tour to the USA and Canada.

“When I came to Leinster in 2010 I didn’t really want to be a head coach, but I’ve really enjoyed the experience since,” he said.

“I’m really motivated by challenge and this is a super but intimidating one.

“If you’re going to find out what you can bring to a group, what better way than to take on one of the big jobs in world rugby.

“I’ve had a good look at a lot of Ireland’s players and when we get our collective together, we’ll try to improve performance and make us as competitive as possible.”

Kidney, who mastermind of the 2009 Grand Slam triumph, was removed on April 2 after presiding over a dismal fifth-place finish in the RBS Six Nations – Ireland’s worst championship performance since 1999.

Kiss and Ewen McKenzie were considered for the post – Jake White, Conor O’Shea and Mark McCall had ruled themselves out – but Schmidt was viewed as the outstanding candidate following his success at Leinster.

It is his provincial duties that will prevent him from making an immediate start as Leinster are through to the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup and remain in RaboDirect PRO12 title contention.

One of the most pressing concerns will be to finalise his backroom staff. Kiss could be retained, but forwards coach Gert Smal and defensive mastermind Anthony Foley are unlikely to be remain.

“The job was only confirmed today and now I need to look ahead and start planning, but that’s difficult because I’ve currently got my hands full,” he said.

“Hopefully over the next four to six weeks I’ll get some time to start getting my head around the new role.”

Instrumental in Schmidt’s decision to swap provincial for Test rugby was the scope it would provide to help his wife look after their nine-year-old son, Luke, who has epilepsy.

While admitting the change from day to day rugby management to clearly defined periods of the calendar will be difficult, he insists it will have its benefits.

“The windows are suffocating, but there is also more scope to get back and forth to New Zealand,” he said.

“I have a daughter who is studying there so it would be nice to get backwards and forwards to see family.

“My family were part of the decision, they’re very settled here.

“I’ve spoken out lately about our smaller son and he’s looked after superbly at his school. That was a big part of our decision making.”

Ireland and Australia will meet for the first time since the 2011 World Cup.

Ireland will welcome the All Blacks and the Wallabies to Dublin in November.

The new Irish rugby coach, who is yet to be appointed, will take charge for the first time against Samoa on November 9 for the first game of the Guinness Series.

Australia visit the Aviva a week later, marking the first meeting of the teams since Ireland’s 15-9 win over the Australians in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks will complete the line-up of internationals on November 24.

Leinster boss Joe Schmidt will be interviewed by IRFU officials about the vacant post, according to reports in Ireland.

“I’m going to try and give it some thought over the next couple of days,” Schmidt has told reporters.

“I’m going to talk to some people in our committee and see what they think. It’s not for me to say who’s worthy of the post. If it is something that interests people then it’s something that might happen.”

Schmidt said “I’m not discounting myself” from the running and said it was a tough decision.

“I said last week I’ve never not fulfilled my full commitment that I’ve made and that’s why it’s a difficult conundrum for me and it’s probably a difficult conundrum for Ireland because I’ve probably caused them more headaches than positive things in the last three years,” he said.

Ticket prices and packages for the Guinness Series will be announced in the coming weeks, said the IRFU.

:: Guinness Series Fixtures

Ireland v Samoa, Saturday, Nov 9, 5.45pm

Ireland v Australia, Saturday, Nov 16, 5.45pm

Ireland v New Zealand, Sunday, Nov 24, 2pm

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is officially looking for a new head coach after confirming that Declan Kidney will not continue in the role.

Australian Ewen McKenzie remains the bookie’s favourite to take up the job with another Aussie, Les Kiss, also fancied.

Kidney paid the price for Ireland’s poor showing in the RBS 6 Nations.

The IRFU announced on Tuesday they would not renew the former Munster man’s contract and had relieved of him of his role with immediate effect.

Kidney’s future had been the subject of much speculation after shock defeats against Scotland and Italy contributed to their fifth-placed finish and their lowest ever world ranking of ninth.

The loss in Italy on the final weekend of the campaign led many to call for Kidney’s resignation so the announcement came as no surprise.

“The Irish Rugby Football Union today announced that it will not be offering a new contract to Declan Kidney after his current agreement ends (on 30 June next), with Declan’s role as Ireland’s senior men’s coach ceasing today,” said a statement on the IRFU official website.

“The decision was made following an in-depth review process carried out by the IRFU’s National Team Review Group (NTRG).

“The IRFU thank Declan Kidney for the unquestionable commitment, passion, professionalism and success he has delivered to Irish Rugby to-date.

“The IRFU, through the NTRG, will continue the process of identifying suitable candidates for the Ireland Coaching role.”

Les Kiss has been confirmed as the interim head coach for Ireland’s summer tour of north America, with Gert Smal and Anthony Foley acting as his assistants. Ewen McKenzie will finish up with the Queensland Reds in June.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: “We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

“His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

“With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players.”

The Irish Rugby Football Union has had no contact with retiring Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie, despite claims that the former Wallaby had been approached about the not-yet-vacant role of head Irish coach.

The IRFU confirmed to the Irish Echo overnight that there had been “no contact with Ewen McKenzie”.

The spokesman did not elaborate on the fate of the incumbent Declan Kidney who declared that he was considering his position in the light of Ireland’s disappointing Six Nations performance.

On Thursday, Australian rugby commentator Greg Growden, writing for ESPN’s Scrum.com, quoted an unnamed “senior Irish rugby official” as saying that McKenzie would be Ireland’s next coach.

McKenzie announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down as Queensland coach at the end of the Super Rugby season.

He has declared his interest in coaching the Wallabies.

A spokesman for Paddy Power bookmakers said that Ewen McKenzie had been backed in from 10/1 to 4/1 to be the next Irish coach behind Leinster’s Joe Schmidt who is a 7/2 chance.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney described today’s seven-try rout of feeble Argentina at Aviva Stadium as the stuff of dreams.

The Irish secured their place among the second tier of seeds for the 2015 World Cup draw on Monday week with a record 46-24 triumph that saw Jonathan Sexton and Tommy Bow score two tries each.

It was the result and performance they needed, ending a five-Test losing run and relieving the pressure on under-fire coach Kidney.

“You never in your wildest dreams think you’ll score that number of tries against Argentina,” Kidney said.

“If things click then this team is well capable of doing that. Today was one of the good days.

“We didn’t get too despondent after the defeat by South Africa two weeks ago and we won’t be too disappointed following today.

“This result makes it a whole lot easier to go to training the next time we meet.

“If I say it was the complete performance I’ll be out of a job! There’s always things to be done.”

Ulster winger Craig Gilroy produced a remarkable Test debut, tormenting Argentina’s defence throughout and finishing with a wonderful try.

The 21-year-old was also involved in the build up to three other tries and Kidney admitted the squad’s younger brigade had lifted the spirits.

“I’ve been saying for the last two weeks they’ve been a pleasure to work with,” he said.

“The enthusiasm of the young lads who’ve come in – not just Craig but some of the others who didn’t play – has been infectious.

“We talked about having a go at it and that paid off. We picked off a few good tries and that confidence flowed through the team.”

Captain Jamie Heaslip refused to over-hype a result no one predicted in what was Ireland’s best performance since beating Australia at last year’s World Cup.

“The scoreline flattered us. Sometimes things just click and you get the lucky bounce as well,” Heaslip said.

“I’m proud of the effort and professionalism shown by everyone. It was a great shift from this group of players.

“This year there have been plenty of missed opportunities in Tests, so we’ve been introspective to see what we can change.”

Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe lamented a disappointing conclusion to a breakthrough year for the Pumas that included their entrance into the Rugby Championship.

Lobbe refused to use fatigue – the Test against Ireland was their 12th since June – to explain a feeble performance that fell well short of expectations.

“That was a sad way to end the season. Now we must spend six months without seeing each other. It’s not what we wanted,” he said.

“Rugby is usually won by the team who wants it most and we were over-run in every aspect.

“We had a good week and were fresh for this match. We’ve improved over the year but this is a sad way to finish.

“Now that we have 12 games a year together we will continue to improve and we know we are not the finished product.”

Ireland coach Declan Kidney admitted that wingers Craig Gilroy and Fergus McFadden have left him with a selection headache ahead of next Saturday’s clash against Argentina.

Gilroy scored a hat-trick in the 53-0 annihilation of Fiji at Thomond Park, while McFadden chipped in with a double and played makeshift flanker when Chris Henry was sent to the sin-bin.

Ulster winger Gilroy capped his first senior start for Ireland with a stunning 80-metre try late in the second half to complete his treble.

His performance has elevated him into the selection debate for a home game against an Argentina side that are one place ahead of Ireland in the world rankings.

“Overall, the first half went okay,” Kidney said. “The third quarter definitely died a lot and we’ll have to take a good look at that because that was the section last week (against South Africa) that cost us.

“We finished strongly but the thing that pleased me most was the defence. Even though we were points ahead we defended stoically.”

Kidney added: “There were a lot of young men out there having their first go and I think it would be wrong to single any one player out.

“There was a fair bit of finishing from some of the backs but there was good work done by the forwards too.

“Craig (Gilroy) seemed to enjoy it. I’m sure Fergus (McFadden) will remind him that he was in the scrum that led to one of his tries.

“It was a good team effort and the wingers, well it’s their job to finish the chances when they come to them. Fair play to him, he took his chances when they came his way.”

Gilroy announced himself on the European stage at the same ground last April, scoring a scintillating try against Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

The 21-year-old was delighted with his evening’s work and said: “The Ulster lads did well but I thought the team, as a whole, were great.

“We’ve only been together a short while but we’ve gelled really quickly and I think that showed tonight.

“Any chance I get to put on the jersey and play for my country is a big step for me. It is something that I have worked towards really hard and I’m glad I took my opportunity tonight.”

Kidney believes the five tries from his wingers means Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble will have to step up their game in preparation for Ireland’s final Test match of the year.

He said: “They’ve certainly put their hand up and I guess that will have to be recognised. We’ll take a look at the videos and, whether it affects selection or not, we’ll have to wait and see. We won’t pre-empt anything.”

Samoa’s victory over Wales on Friday night has tightened up the world rankings and Ireland could rise as high as sixth with a win at the Aviva Stadium.

Kidney added: “Samoa’s win makes it clearer that we have to get a win next week to stay in that top-eight position. It will be all to play for.

“We had good support here tonight and hopefully we’ll get it again next week because we are going to need it against a tough Argentinian side.”

Kidney confirmed that Jonathan Sexton’s late withdrawal from the bench was due to a groin strain, but hopes that his first choice fly-half will be fit to face Argentina.

Munster's Simon Zebo is among three uncapped players to get a call-up.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has warned his side they have to “go for it” when they head to New Zealand next month for three Tests against the All Blacks.

Kidney has named his 29-man squad for the unenviable task of facing the world champions in their own back yard, including a trio of uncapped players in the form of Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick and Munster duo Mike Sherry and Simon Zebo.

Kidney also left four places in his squad available, with a second-row slot being held for Paul O’Connell as he recovers from a knee injury.

Ulster’s Chris Henry is the leading candidate to fill the back-row vacancy.

The other gaps in the party are expected to be filled by Connacht prop Brett Wilkinson and Leinster scrum-half Isaac Boss.

Eleven of Leinster’s Heineken Cup-winning squad are selected, including centre and captain Brian O’Driscoll, who missed the Six Nations after a shoulder operation and recently underwent keyhole surgery on his knee.

But there is no place for Ulster centre Paddy Wallace, while wings Tommy Bowe (kidney) and Luke Fitzgerald (neck) miss out through injury.

And while Kidney says the new faces in his squad have earned their place on the trip, he made it clear he will not be experimenting given the sheer scale of the challenge facing his side.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for them (uncapped players),” he told a press conference.

“Going to New Zealand for a three-match tour, which Ireland have never done before, will be a great learning experience.

“But they’ve had to do it on the back of results because this isn’t the place for the faint of heart.

“You don’t experiment in matches against New Zealand. It’s akin to experimenting in Heineken Cup play-off matches. You need to go for it.

“We ask (New Zealand) to play with full-strength sides when they come here so we have to honour them and do the same over there.

“The objective is to win the series, first and foremost, and to work downwards from there.

“We know the record, we have never beaten New Zealand and to beat them would be a great achievement but it would be disrespect to the jersey not to go for (the series win).”

The first Test will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on June 9, with Rugby League Park in Christchurch and Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium the other venues on June 16 and June 23 respectively.

Ireland squad for the three test summer tour to New Zealand:

Forwards: R Best (Ulster), S Cronin (Leinster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Fitzpatrick (Ulster), C Healy (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster), S O’Brien (Leinster), D O’Callaghan (Munster), P O’Mahony (Munster), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), M Sherry (Munster), D Tuohy (Ulster), A.N. Other.

Backs: D Cave (Ulster), G D’Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), R Kearney (Leinster), F McFadden (Leinster), C Murray (Munster), B O’Driscoll (Leinster, captain), R O’Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), J Sexton (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster), S Zebo (Munster),

Star Irish flanker Sean O’Brien was embarrassed by Ireland’s 30-9 RBS 6 Nations hiding by England at Twickenham, but denies they are a team in decline.

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations were muted as the Irish slumped to the most demoralising defeat of Declan Kidney’s three-year reign.

Two victories and a draw represented their worst Six Nations since 2008, when a return of four points cost Kidney’s predecessor Eddie O’Sullivan his job. Desperately missing talismen Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell, they were smashed to pieces by an English side that obliterated their scrum.

A worrying period for Irish rugby will find little comfort in the looming three-Test summer series against New Zealand, but O’Brien refuses to accept fears that the squad’s best days have passed.

“That was pretty embarrassing and we’re not too pleased about it,” the European player of the year said.

“It’s a hard loss to take and that was the most disappointed I’ve been in an Ireland jersey.

“In this championship we’ve only beaten Italy and Scotland and that’s just not good enough for this group of players.

“We’re must take a long look at ourselves over the next couple of months until we come back together for the tour.

“But I wouldn’t agree that this is a team on the slide. We’ve shown what we can do at times and it’s just getting that consistency.

“If we play to our potential week-in, week-out, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

Ireland’s misery extended beyond the result thanks to a relentless demolition job on their scrum that was painful to watch at times. The neck injury sustained in the opening set piece by tighthead Mike Ross, who soldiered on for half an hour before being substituted, was offered by Kidney as an explanation for England’s dominance.

The wreckage increased when Ross’ replacement Tom Court arrived, exposing a worrying lack of depth in a key position.

Referee Nigel Owens awarded a penalty try in the 59th minute after England had repeatedly battered the Irish scrum and Kidney will be praying that Ross is fit to face the All Blacks this summer.

“We got blown away and things led on from there really,” O’Brien said

“The scrum is a massive part of the game. They scrummed everything and went forward.

“I’ve never been involved in a game like that where the scrum has been so dominant for one side. It’s hard, especially as a back-row. “We didn’t drop our heads, you just have to try to battle and fight through it.”

Trailing 9-6 at the interval, Ireland remained in the hunt until their scrummaging problems spilt over into just about every department of their game in an abject second half.

Ben Youngs scampered over for England’s second try and rock-solid Owen Farrell kicked 20 points while the visitors imploded.

The result finally put an ill-fated championship blighted by poor officiating, a postponed game and injury problems out of its misery.

“This championship has been a little bit frustrating for us – we were beaten by two points by Wales and drew with France,” O’Brien said.

“Looking back at it, yesterday could potentially have been a Grand Slam decider if things had gone our way earlier in the tournament.

“But that’s besides the point because we were blown out of the water by England. It just wasn’t good enough.”

Ireland will be hoping for a return to the success of 2009. (File pic)

ESPN has announced it will televise all 15 games of the RBS Six Nations live from February 5 to March 18.

The station will air Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales from 1.30am next Monday morning.

Ireland’s game against France will air at 6.30am on February 12, a Sunday.

Ireland’s clash against Italy will be aired at midnight on Sunday, February 26.

Ireland’s penultimate game of the tournament is against Scotland on March 11 (3.30am), with the tournament closer on March 18 against defending champions England at Twickenham (3.45am).

:: RBS Six Nations fixtures on ESPN

Sunday February 5
France v Italy at Stade de France – 1.00am
Scotland v England at Murrayfield – 3.30am

Monday February 6
IRELAND v Wales at Aviva Stadium – 1.30am

Sunday February 12
England at Stadio Olimpico – 2.30am
France v. IRELAND at Stade de France – 6.30am

Monday February 13
Wales v. Scotland at Millennium Stadium – 1.30am

Sunday February 26
IRELAND v. Italy at Aviva Stadium – 12.00am
England v. Wales at Twickenham – 3.30am

Monday February 27
Scotland v. France at Murrayfield – 1.30am

Sunday March 11
Wales v. Italy at Millennium Stadium – 1.00am
IRELAND v. Scotland at Aviva Stadium – 3.30am

Monday March 12
France v. England at Stade de France – 1:30am

Saturday March 17
Italy v. Scotland at Stadio Olimpico – 11.00pm

Sunday March 18
Wales v. France at Millennium Stadium – 1.30am
England v. IRELAND at Twickenham – 3.45am