Brian O'Driscoll, the Ireland centre, has been cited after a stamp on Simone Favaro during Saturday's 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome.

O'Driscoll's final international match was marred after he received a yellow card from referee Wayne Barnes for the offence, in which he planted his right foot into the chest of the Italian flanker.

But independent citing commissioner Aurwel Morgan feels the incident, which occurred as O'Driscoll earned his 125<sup>th international cap, requires an additional punishment.

Brian O'Driscoll
O'Driscoll could miss the next few weeks for Leinster.

"Brian O'Driscoll, the Ireland Centre, has been cited by the Independent Citing Commissioner for an alleged stamping or trampling on an opponent, contrary to Law 10.4 (b), in the RBS 6 Nations match between Italy and Ireland on Saturday 16th March 2013," a Six Nations statement read.

While the 34 year old is yet to confirm his international future, many expect the defeat to Italy to be O'Driscoll final game for Ireland after a glittering career spanning 14 years.

But the Leinster man is likely to make his international bow for the Lions against Australia, with O'Driscoll among the candidates to captain Warren Gatland's squad.

Capped six times by the Lions, O'Driscoll captain the squad on the tour of New Zealand in 2005, an honour which was short lived after suffering a shoulder injury in the opening minutes following a spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "Brian has had a strong Six Nations given everything that has been going on for him.

"He was outstanding against Wales and had a good match against France. I thought he did well today too. He's earned the space and time to be able to make up his own mind. Players are the only ones who know when the time is right to go."

Gatland was present as Irish training for ahead of the game against Italy, fuelling speculation O'Driscoll will be installed as captain ahead of Wales' Sam Wurburton and England skipper Chris Robshaw.

"We will pick the squad first and then look at a captain," Gatland said last week.

"When you are looking at a captain and leadership, there are a number of things - how the player sets an example on and off the field in terms of discipline, but also how he carries himself and the respect he earns from his team-mates."

Australia