Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that he was left with little choice but to undergo surgery on a shoulder problem.

Leinster confirmed earlier today that their centre would be going under the surgeon's knife to correct a long-standing nerve complaint.

It is a decision that has resulted in the 32-year-old being ruled out for the remainder of the season, including Ireland's Six Nations campaign next year.

However, the Irish skipper has admitted that an operation was the only option.

"I need the operation for general life, not just from a rugby point of view," he said.

"The shoulder has become uncomfortable over the last eight months and has just got progressively worse.

"I certainly see myself coming back from this and playing another season, and who knows after that."

O'Driscoll is Ireland's leading try scorer of all time.