IRELAND rugby legend Donncha O’Callaghan admits he still ‘lives for the game” but doesn’t know “what type of level” he will be playing at next season.

The former Munster star is in the final year of his contract at Worcester Warriors but his family live in Ireland and he wants to be around them “an awful lot more”.

“I know I am near the end of my playing career but I am really enjoying it and I am not looking at a finish line,” said Cork-born O’Callaghan, who won 94 caps for Ireland.

“I am looking towards Christmas and going as hard as I can and then maybe I will make a family decision after that.

“Before it was always my drive to play rugby but now I have got small children at home in Ireland with my wife, Jenny.

“They have supported me throughout my career but there comes a point when a dad and a husband has to be around a bit more as well.

“Rugby is such a massive part of my life so it’s hard to think too far ahead but my body is in good shape.”

O’Callaghan joined Warriors last autumn after 270 competitive appearances in 17 seasons for Munster.

He made 22 Premiership appearances for Warriors last term after securing two Heineken Cup winners’ medals and two league titles with Munster.

His wife Jenny and children came to live in Worcester after he signed for the Sixways club but they have since returned to Ireland.

“She’s back at home because the support network is a lot easier than over here,” he explained.

“Between the two of us there are 14 aunts and uncles and three grandparents in Ireland so it was a lot easier. It’s hard to generate something that like when you move to a new city but she didn’t regret coming to Worcester.

“They are happy at home and they know I am happy playing for Worcester so it’s a bit of a compromise and we are getting through it.”

Whatever happens at the end of this term, O’Callaghan will have no regrets about joining Warriors.

“I am loving playing and I know we have had a few tough days but I love the dogfight and every match is a cup final,” he said.

“I think of myself still playing next year but I don’t know what type of level. I have to be around my family an awful lot more. I have been a little bit selfish for a lot of my career and it’s time to start putting my family first.”