Brian O'Driscoll names his top five Irish rugby players of all time

Brian O'Driscoll has named his top five Irish rugby players of all time - and he hasn't included himself.

O'Driscoll is widely considered one of the best players to ever wear an Ireland shirt after a glittering career for his country and Leinster.

And perhaps fewer are in a better position to assess how Ireland's greats have stacked up over the years.

READ MORE: Rory Best EXCLUSIVE: I get why Johnny Sexton had to take a break from rugby

READ MORE: Tana Umaga: How Ireland shattered the All Blacks' aura and his Brian O'Driscoll 'speargate' shock

Tasked by TNT Sports to name Ireland's greatest ever players, the 45-year-old chose his former Ireland colleague Paul O'Connell for the fifth spot.

"Incredible leader. A guy you wanted to play for," said O'Driscoll of the former second-row powerhouse.

O'Driscoll chose another Munster man, Keith Wood, for fourth spot. "He was doing these back then before it came in vogue that hookers are doing now."

His first three selections are former Munster men, with Ronan O'Gara taking third. "Kicked goals for fun. Helped pave the way for the current crop."

O'Driscoll continued: "Number two is controversial, Johnny Sexton, just ahead of Rodge [O'Gara]. What vision, physicality, everything! Brilliant player that could just see the game so well."

And finally, O'Driscoll plumbed for Mike Gibson for his number one spot, a player who lined out for Ireland before the professional era.

"I only saw him on TV and old footage," O'Driscoll said. "But I've heard he was incredible, and I would have loved to have partnered with him in the centre."

Gibson won 69 caps for Ireland between 1964 and 1979 and was a vital player for the British and Irish Lions.