Brian O'Driscoll will continue to lead Ireland in the Six Nations campaign

Brian O'Driscoll will continue to lead Ireland into the 2009 RBS Six Nations campaign after he was given the green light by coach Declan Kidney.

With an Irish record 32 tries in his 88 Tests, the Dubliner has led Ireland a record 51 times since 2002, succeeding Keith Wood permamently in 2004.

Many expected that Lions contender Paul O'Connell would take over the reins.

But Kidney, who chose O'Driscoll as captain in the autumn after becoming coach, is happy for him to continue.

"I am delighted that Brian has yet again agreed to lead the side in this year's championship," said Kidney.

"He has the leadership qualities which are vital at this level and, along with those of the other team leaders in the squad, will be important for the tournament ahead."

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"These games straddle the Heineken Cup final and will contain players who are not involved in either that final or the Lions tour to South Africa," explained Kidney.

The new Ireland coach also said that members of the senior international coaching staff will be covering the Ireland A squad's involvement in the Churchill Cup tournament which takes place during June in North Carolina and Ohio.

The summer tour and the Churchill Cup will see more than 60 players come under the watchful eyes of the Ireland coaching staff that may not have had the opportunity to impress the coaches first hand outside of provincial duty.

The IRFU has also pencilled in a fourth Test next autumn at a venue possibly outside of Ireland.

Ireland will face Australia, Fiji and South Africa on the last three weekends of November this year.

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