Opinion was divided over whether O'Connell or Ireland's Grand Slam-winning captain O'Driscoll, skipper in New Zealand in 2005, would be favoured by McGeechan.

O'Driscoll was immense at times during the triumphant Six Nations, producing man of the match displays against England and Wales.

Momentum gathered behind his claim and he was installed as the bookmakers' favourite, but McGeechan's preference for a forward settled the issue.

“Brian rang me after talking to Geech. I've played with Brian when he was captain of Ireland,” said O'Connell.

“In recent years I've always spoken or done things similar to what I do with Munster when I've been with Ireland and he's always encouraged that.

“I'll do the same with him. He said he was disappointed but also delighted for me.”