Ticker tape falls from the sky. The organisers have made sure they were well prepared for this outcome. Grown men are bouncing around with wide-eyed enthusiasm and none more so than Brian O'Driscoll, a man who has been there and done it all but won't be doing it anymore.

The lights have been dimmed inside the Stade de France for the trophy presentation. Brian O'Driscoll steps onto the stage and makes sure he's standing next to the trophy, and why not. Paul O'Connell is the last man to appear and it is the captain who will lift the prize.

There's a strong possibility that Brian O'Driscoll will still be smiling a week from now. He's charging around the field, shaking hands with the backroom staff and various team-mates with a broad grin on his chops.

David Barwise:, external Always hoped that England would win in the end, but Brian O'Driscoll deserved to go out with a bang. Great spectacle - fantastic game.

Michael Richmond:, external Brian O'Driscoll the best player ever from the northern hemisphere by a mile. Take a bow son.

Sean:, external Fairplay to the Irish. A fine send off for one of their greatest. Proper hard hitting defensive rugby at the end, beautiful.

Keith Wood
Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Brian O'Driscoll is an icon for children in Ireland. They have seen that magic is possible, that winning is possible."

Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll, speaking to BBC One: "The emotions are starting to kick in now. It feels great to be a two-time Six Nations winner. So many seconds along the years and so many disappointments, it is great to finish my career on a high. When I do hang this jersey up on the hook inside it will be with fond memories.

"I am absolutely delighted. There is a huge Irish contingent here and I am glad we gave them something to shout about."

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell, speaking to BBC One: "It is fantastic. We are delighted for Ireland and the people back home and also for Brian O'Driscoll and his family - for him to have a great finish to his career is great for everyone involved.

"It was also frustrating because we scored three tries, I thought we were playing good rugby but we kind of went into ourselves a bit and that is a dangerous game to play. Luckily we held out and we were a bit lucky with the forward pass, sometimes those decisions go against you."

Keith Wood
Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"I still expect Brian O'Driscoll to cry in the next few minutes, when someone talks to him, when it sinks in and he realises he's worn the green shirt for the last time."

Brian O'Driscoll glugs some water before pouring some on his face, too. Those charged with naming the man of the match probably sit at home at night reading poetry because they deemed Brian O'Driscoll was the best player on the pitch.

Jeremy Guscott
Former England centre on BBC One

"Ireland have promised for so long, and they have had so much success with their provinces in the Heineken Cup. But Joe Schmidt has transformed them and got them producing, even though it is an old team. They have been the most consistent team."

Carl:, external YES!! Champions!

Ross McLean:, external A fitting end for a legendary player. A win in Paris to take the crown.

Alvaro:, external I like how Ireland celebrate like grown ups. Well played chaps, well deserved.

Keith Wood
Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"My voice has gone from screaming. It was a gut-wrenching last 10 minutes, the players have shown incredible bravery. A monumental Ireland performance."

Brian O'Driscoll has enough energy to triumphantly whoop and scream, while Cian Healy can even muster the strength to lift Jamie Heaslip off his feet. A glorious finale.

Ireland are the Six Nations champions and it's a perfect ending to Brian O'Driscoll's remarkable career.

Image source, AFP

We're into the final minute and Ireland have a scrum inside their 10m. France nick the ball... rumble forward - but the referee penalises the hosts and that is it!

Have France scored?! Jean Marc Doussain's failure to find touch doesn't impact on France's confidence. The hosts go on the attack, spinning it wide, Damien Chouly crosses the whitewash but was the final pass forward? Yes! Yes it was! Oh my giddy aunt.

A short, sharp shrill from Steve Walsh's whistle and Ian Madigan but Jean Marc Doussain fails to find touch. Could that be costly?

The crowd singing La Marseillaise but Ireland are going through the phases... 13th phase... 14th phase...

The match being played in the France half, which is where the Irish want to be. Ireland have possession and their forwards are attempting to bulldoze their way through the middle of the field.

Image source, RFU

The England squad watch the closing stages of the match in their hotel. What must be going through their minds?