IRELAND legend Donncha O’Callaghan believes his teetotal lifestyle has helped him to play at the top level for two decades.

The 38-year-old second row admits his willingness to put his head “between two bums and push” has also been vital in his career.

O’Callaghan made the move to Worcester Warriors in September 2015 after 17 seasons with Munster and has extended his stay at Sixways into next term.

“I think it’s how you look after yourself,” said O’Callaghan, who made 94 appearances for Ireland, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009.

“I am a non-drinking Irishman and I think that has helped me.

“If you’re willing to put your head between two bums and push that’s all you need in the second row.

“It’s a pulling, dragging, position so I am lucky you don’t need all the attributes of an athlete. It does takes longer to recover from games when you get older.”

O’Callaghan also played four times for the British & Irish Lions, captaining them in South Africa in 2009.

Cork-born O’Callaghan appeared in all Worcester’s Aviva Premiership games last term and has played 19 times this campaign.

“I am grateful to my family,” said the lock.

“My family are in Ireland and it’s a family sacrifice you have to make sometimes.

"I am grateful my family see it as I am doing something I really love.”

However, the experienced forward doesn’t believe he’s a natural leader and has found the captaincy role hard.

“I find the skipper thing nerve-wracking and edgy,” he said.

“I don’t think I am a natural leader so I have found it tough.

“I respect all the lads and care about them and I want them to do well.

“If you are playing with friends and guys who you care about I think that matters.

“When you look at the performances we’ve had big results in matches because we’ve played like a group of lads who showed how much we cared about each other looked more like brothers on the pitch.

“I find the leadership thing but tough but I have so much respect for all my team-mates that I want to go out and put in a big performance.”

He added: “Will Spencer could be an incredible leader in time, along with Jack Singleton and Ryan Mills. In time they will flourish and drive on Warriors.”

Director of rugby Gary Gold, who has returned to Worcester after spending time with his family in South Africa, accepts O’Callaghan’s decision to re-sign was tough.

Gold said: “I am sure it must have been a difficult decision for him.

“I know exactly where it sits and it’s a double-edged sword for professionals.

“But I would like to believe that at this stage in Donncha’s career if he was to play one more year he wanted to do it where he enjoyed being.

“We will be open minded to him getting home and spending time with his family.

“We are not going to be able to roll him out week in week out and we wouldn’t want do that to any player.

“If we plan properly I am sure Donncha will get to spend quite a lot of time with his family and still continue to ply his trade in his last year.”

Gold added: “There are so many different things that make up a quality rugby player.

“It’s his ability on the field, which I don’t think has been questioned this year, and also what he brings from a leadership, character and role model point of view.

“Donncha looks after himself. He’s a teetotaller, a very professional individual and a great role model for the youngsters.”