Live

Repeat: Off The Ball

10:00 PM-12:00 AM

Repeat: Off The Ball
Advertisement

Sport

Sean O'Brien reveals IRFU did not offer contract extension

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Sean O'Brien will miss Ireland's World Cup campaign. Tha...



Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Sean O'Brien will miss Ireland's World Cup campaign.

That also means we may have already seen him don the green jersey for the final time.

This summer, he makes the switch from these shores to link up with Declan Kidney at London Irish.

To tell us more about a tumultuous few months, O'Brien joined Joe Molloy in studio.

The flanker admits it has taken time to get used to the reality that he's leaving Leinster.

Tears

"I'm very excited by it now. But at the time of all the contract negotiation and seeing was there a contract at Leinster and Ireland for me still, there were lots of tears then. When I came to the actual crunch, like."

That came as 2018 morphed into 2019 and his intention originally had been to stay put.

"That was a difficult time. I hadn't looked at any other options at that stage," he said.

"I just wanted to inquire to see was there a [central contract] extension for me for after the World Cup. That's what I was hoping for but that's not how it turned out."

With no contract extension forthcoming, he had to explore other avenues.

"Japan was an option if I was going to make the World Cup," he said.

"But then when London Irish got involved, it just seemed a good fit for me as well. Coaches know me and what they wanted to do I was really excited about.

"It's just a flight home and it's not too far away so there were a lot of positives. I had a few good conversations with Deccy and I was happy then with my decision."

O'Brien also detailed how he's dealt with the injury issue that has sidelined him for the World Cup. You can watch the full interview with Sean O'Brien via YouTube.

Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.

Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Injury Ireland Leinster London London Irish Off The Ball Rugby Rugby World Cup Sean O'brien