This morning, Leinster and Ireland's Fergus McFadden joined OTB AM to discuss his decision to announce his retirement - and to look back at his career.

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to get the thoughts of his former teammate Brian O'Driscoll, who paid this glowing tribute to the Kildare-man ahead of his OTB appearance:

"Ferg, huge congrats on a brilliant Leinster and Irish career. I loved playing in the same team as you, be it in blue or in green.

4 October 2019; Fergus McFadden of Leinster after scoring his side's first try during the Guinness PRO14 Round 2 match between Leinster and Ospreys at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

"Not only were you the life and soul of the dressing room but more importantly, the way you delivered in big games when the going got tough, you were one of the ones that people turned to when it was time to roll your sleeves up."

The former-Ireland captain continued, "I've not known anyone with an insatiable appetite for pain quiet like you, competitiveness personified, with an unwillingness to ever give up. I think they're the traits that will serve you well in the next life as well."

22 September 2018; Fergus McFadden of Leinster during the Guinness PRO14 Round 4 match between Leinster and Edinburgh at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The versatile-back featured in Leinster's Heineken Cup final wins in 2011 and 2012 - and the province's 2013 and 2014 Pro14 Final wins.

In green, he was part of the squads who won the 2014 and 2018 Six Nations and represented the country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

25 September 2011; Ireland players Andrew Trimble, left, and Fergus McFadden stand for the national anthems before the game. 2011 Rugby World Cup, Pool C, Ireland v Russia, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, New Zealand. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

"You look at your trophy cabinet, [it's] phenomenal, multiple wins with Leinster and Ireland. But I think it's the friendships and the mark that you'll have left on the players you played with is the most impressive thing," O'Driscoll added.

The back leaves the game with 34 Irish caps and 184 appearances for Leinster under his belt, after almost 13 years in professional rugby.

15 January 2011; Leinster centres Brian O'Driscoll, left, and Fergus McFadden. Heineken Cup, Pool 2, Round 5, Leinster v Saracens, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

O'Driscoll had one final message:

"Who will ever forget that ovation you got back in 2014 when you came on against Italy in the 64th minute? Happy retirement and it was a pleasure!"

McFadden was the man who replaced O'Driscoll in that Six Nations clash and faced a few extra moments on the sideline as the Aviva faithful cheered him off for the last time.

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