Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has set his sights on the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia in 2013 after signing a new two-year national contract.

O'Driscoll, 32, said he's far from ending an illustrious 12-year international career because he's still making an impact at the highest levels.

"My appetite to achieve more with Leinster and Ireland certainly has not been dampened by our recent success," he said.

O'Driscoll has captained Ireland in 72 Tests - including once for the Lions - only four short of South African John Smit's world record.

Leinster teammates No.8 Jamie Heaslip and flyhalf Jonathan Sexton also extended their Ireland contracts on Thursday - Sexton to 2013 and Heaslip to 2014.

Heaslip has been capped 31 times since 2006 and Sexton 11 times since 2009.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP