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Lions back row Sean O'Brien barred from rugby return
By Ian Cameron
Former Ireland back row Sean O'Brien has been told he will not be allowed to play for his home town club due to 'safety concerns'.
O'Brien, who retired from professional rugby at the end of last season with London Irish, had intended on playing for Tullow RFC in his native County Carlow.
However, the IRFU have denied his request, citing safety concerns.
Regulations mean that no player can play junior rugby within two seasons have having played rugby for the full-season team of a professional outfit.
According to the regulations: 'All players who have played international (including 7’s), provincial, or professional rugby in any jurisdiction for the Senior full team, in the current or last 2 preceding seasons shall be ineligible to participate in any Competitions.'
It effectively means the 6'1, 108kg O'Brien won't be able to play junior rugby for the next two seasons. Given O'Brien's age and injury profile - which dramatically changed the way he played towards the end of his professional career - the denial of the application seems severe.
O'Brien presumably wanted to continue playing the sport alongside his new role with his alma mater, Leinster, who re-signed him as a contact skills coach ahead of the start of the coming season.
The 35-year-old left the province as one of their most decorated players, having come through their academy system and having played 126 times for Leinster since his debut in 2008 against the then Cardiff Blues.
The 'Tullow Tank' made his Ireland debut in the RDS Arena in November 2009 against Fiji and won 54 Ireland caps scoring six tries in total. He was a member of the Ireland 2015 Six Nations-winning squad and partook in two tours with the British and Irish Lions, winning 11 caps for the famous side.
O’Brien’s career achievements also include him being named European player of the year in 2011.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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