Brian O'Driscoll is tipping Cumbrian rugby union star Will Addison to make Ireland's World Cup squad.

The former Leinster and Ireland captain, 40 this week, says he expects the Penrith-born man, whose mother Caroline is from County Fermanagh, to be on the plane to Japan, with the tournament set to start in September, due to his versatility.

Addison, 26, broke into the Ireland set-up last year and has been included in their initial squad for the opening two rounds of the Six Nations.

O'Driscoll said: "I think Addison is going to go because of his versatility. I think he might even be recording the fastest times.

"I think he might even be quicker than [Jacob] Stockdale. Of the centres, he's comfortably the fastest.

"He can play wing, he can full-back a lot, he's done a great job for Ulster at 13. At the moment, I think he's a shoo-in for the 31."

Ireland will start their Six Nations against Eddie Jones' side next Saturday.

And O'Driscoll said on Off The Ball AM: "I think he might get into the matchday 23 against England [ahead of Jordan Larmour], even though Larmour has been outstanding every time that he's been involved."

Meanwhile, he added: "I was asked what England player, if I could pick one, would I want to bring across [to the Ireland team]? I went through the whole team and the Journalist said: 'So, that's none.' 

"Then, I backtracked because I didn't want him to print 'no one' in the article, so I told him a fit Manu Tuliangi would. But then, I don't think you're dropping either of our guys [for him].

"Maybe, Billy [Vunipola] makes it. Take the second row. James Ryan for me is in, that's it. You've got Dev Toner for your line-out, and now, what he's doing around the park.

"Our front row. England's hooker is no better than Rory Best no matter what their options are.

"In the back row, Billy would have been the [only] choice."