Irish rugby star Brian O'Driscoll is eyeing a season with the NSW Waratahs as a perfect close to his career.

The Ireland captain, 33, who is contracted to European Heineken Cup champions Leinster until mid-2013, has indicated his desire for a swan song competition switch in a report published by British newspaper The Daily Telegraph.

The second most-capped international of all time, boasting 126 appearances for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, said he has made "minor inquiries" about playing a year of Super Rugby.

"The three best teams in the world make up the Super 15 and, and you look at the individuals and you look at the calibre of the sides and the quality of Super Rugby and the intensity of it, obviously it is a hugely high standard," said the Dublin-born centre.

"My time might have passed on that front but I'm definitely a never-say-never sort of person."

NSW coach Michael Cheika was O'Driscoll's former coach in Ireland and the pair could again link up following the Lions tour of Australia in 2013.

"What excites me is the challenge playing against the calibre of player you are playing week in, week out down there," O'Driscoll said.

"That is an exciting prospect. But whether all the pieces fit, I don't know."

Cheika last week filled four of the Waratahs' five extended playing squad spots for the 2013, signing Queensland five-eighth Sam Lane, halfback Matt Lucas, lock Jed Holloway and hooker Luke Holmes.