RBS 6 Nations

Ireland’s Grand Slam captain will fly home on Friday along with Wales prop Adam Jones, missing next Saturday’s third Test at Ellis Park.

O’Driscoll, Lions skipper in New Zealand four years ago, was concussed during the agonising 28-25 second Test defeat in Pretoria three days ago.

His 2005 tour ended in the first minute of the opening Test after he was spear-tackled by All Blacks players Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga.

The Leinster centre has been one of the Lions’ stars of their 10-match South Africa trip, forging an outstanding midfield combination with Wales star Jamie Roberts.

But his absence means a possible call-up on Saturday for England centre Riki Flutey when the Lions will target a consolation victory after South Africa established an unassailable 2-0 series lead.