Lions, Ireland and Leinster captain Brian O'Driscoll has distanced himself from remarks attributed to Christian Joyard, alleged to be the player's French agent, in an interview with French newspaper Midi Olympique on the latter's website.

In the article Joyard is quoted at length discussing O'Driscoll's desire to play in France next season when his contract with Leinster ends in June and also bandying about proposed salary figures.

The Irish centre is fed up with all the speculation that has followed his appearance as a guest of Biarritz Olympique president Marcel Martin at a recent match.

He is hoping to bring closure to the hoopla surrounding his sojourn in France on what was described as a family holiday.

O'Driscoll explained: "I know what some people are supposed to have said but none of it has been said on my behalf.

"What I do know is that I am under contract with Leinster and the IRFU and my father will be discussing the possibility of extending the contract over the coming weeks and months as would happen with any player coming to the end of his contract.

"I can assure you that no deals have been done and no negotiations have taken place with anyone, anywhere - to suggest otherwise is plain wrong.

"A lot has been written about my contractual situation but I have now said all I am going to say. I want to focus on my rehabilitation, on getting back onto the pitch to captain Leinster and on being fit to represent Ireland as soon as I possibly can."

The latest brouhaha for the player has arrived on foot of an extensive Joyard exposition in Midi Olympique. The Frenchman is quoted: "France is his priority. Brian is coming to the end of his contract with the Irish federation and they have made him an offer.

"Now the player wants to open another chapter in his career and win titles - particularly the Heineken Cup.

"He is aware of what England could offer and he is certainly going to examine the English offers, but his first choice would be France.

"It's a choice of sporting opportunity but also of personal lifestyle. He is very clear on the subject - he wants to come to our country and that's why he came to Biarritz."

Joyard is then quoted thus: "If you look at the financial capacity of the clubs, you are limited to Perpignan, Castres, Clermont, Stade Francais Paris, Biarritz and Toulouse.

"In addition, the club has to be sufficiently interested in Brian and he has to be willing to wear their colours. In reality, you are left with Toulouse, Biarritz and to a lesser degree, Paris.

"As far as salary goes, €350,000 (a year) would be a good starting point to work from. With this sort of contract, he would be earning roughly what he gets in Ireland.

"Brian O'Driscoll is aware that a French club wouldn't be able to offer him what an English one would. He is ready to compromise but . . . I think that for less than €300,000 he would not come. For a contract to be signed, the money would have to be closer to €350,000.

"Let's just say that a decision will be made before the end of 2005."

Joyard is denying he ever gave the interview but that won't undo the aspersions that will be cast in O'Driscoll's direction.

Whatever about his appearance in Biarritz he has done little to instigate this latest situation. He has once again seen contractual issues thrust into the public domain and by extension his loyalty to Leinster and Ireland questioned.

He must crave the sanctuary of the playing pitch, where it is his ability that shouts loudest and his commitment and motives can never be questioned.