VETERAN lock Donncha O’Callaghan admitted he would be happy to play on for "a few more years” as he considers prolonging his playing career.

But Worcester Warriors' captain whose contract runs out at the end of the season insisted he was wary of making further "selfish" decisions.

The Ireland legend is expected to call it a day this summer as he looks to put his family first but he revealed he had “a few rugby options” which might stop him from hanging up his boots.

O'Callaghan who turns 39 tomorrow said he also felt in good enough shape to be able to compete at the highest level.

“I have got a few rugby options which is nice,” O’Callaghan said.

“What I always thought were sacrifices were actually selfish decisions in terms of (my wife) Jenny and family who are back home in Ireland.

“I need to be around them an awful lot more than I probably am at the moment.

“I have loved rugby, but I love my family more.

“I am in a position now where I can probably explore other rugby options but when it comes to making a decision I just need a little bit more time to make sure I make the right one.”

O’Callaghan said he had not received an offer from director of rugby Alan Solomons but would be willing to sit down with him to discuss his Warriors future.

“I am loyal and want to continue to be,” the second row said.

“I would get no greater kick out of us pushing on.

“From what I signed up to it has been different to what the aspirations were but I would love us to achieve them.

“If I can put us in a good position where we are in the Premiership next year and we can allow the guys coming through to have a real opportunity then I would have no problem with my role in that.”

Asked whether Solomons had offered him a new deal, O’Callaghan added: “I will have to sit down and chat, but I have had nothing firmed up yet.”

O’Callaghan racked up more than 270 appearances over 17 seasons at Munster where he won two Heineken Cups.

He has also secured 94 caps for Ireland, winning the Grand Slam in 2009, and went on two British and Irish Lions tours.

Since joining Warriors in 2015, O’Callaghan has become an influential figure, making 62 appearances.

He was replaced at half-time in three successive games before being dropped to the bench for Warriors’ 34-5 loss to Leicester Tigers.

But O’Callaghan said: “Body-wise I feel great, my numbers are still good and stats-wise I am really good.

“I know I am getting old.

“But I think sport can be quite ageist which annoys me. People have been asking me since I was 30 or 32 when are you retiring?

“I can happily continue to play for a few more years, but the big burning issue is doing right by my family and I have to put them first.”

He added: “The competitive edge in you always wants to keep going and wants to get out there because you are able so that’s a decision to be made.

“But I need to sit down, spend time with Jen and people close to me and have a proper chat.

“I have been tipping into the selfish side as they have been so supportive of me for years, so I don’t want to drag it out or be disrespectful.”