Here is what Brian had to say on Off The Ball:

"Since he announced his decision to retire from rugby after the World Cup, I've chatted to Gordon about it.

"It's probably a big relief for from his point of view. This year might not have quite gone the way he had planned because he was not first choice for Leinster and lost his place internationally as well.

"I think seventeen seasons is a lot of seasons in the modern era, particularly in the centre.

"I just feel he wants to get out while he still has his reputation intact, which he certainly does.

"As for the Ireland World Cup squad, I think they would be stupid not to bring him.

"If Robbie Henshaw is injured for some reason, I think Gordon D'Arcy for me starts at 12.

"You know what you are getting from him. He is defensively brilliant and has a wealth of experience, so personally if I was Joe Schmidt, Gordon is a great 29 or 30 man in the squad."