Leinster Rugby have announced that Sean O’Brien is set to return to province as a contact skills coach.
O’Brien, currently with London Irish, last played for Leinster in 2019. He retired a month ago following the conclusion of their season.
The flanker clearly has his post playing career set on coaching however, as per today’s announcement.
In a statement released earlier today, Leinster Rugby stated:
“Leinster Rugby can confirm the appointment of former Leinster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions back row, Seán O’Brien, as Contact Skills Coach ahead of the start of next season.
“O’Brien, who retired from rugby last month having played his last game with London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership, left Leinster at the end of the 2018/19 season.
“The 35-year-old left Leinster Rugby as one of the province’s most decorated players, having come through the Leinster Academy system and having played 126 times for Leinster since his debut in September 2008 against the Cardiff Blues.”
Commenting on the appointment, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “It is great to be able to welcome Seán back home to Leinster.
“On the rugby pitch, Seán at his best was virtually unplayable and he was an amazing contributor to Leinster, Ireland and the Lions. In a Leinster shirt, he played a key role in some of our greatest days on the European stage and we hope he can pass on some of his vast experience and winning mentality to our current squad.
“I know that Seán has always been a keen student of the game and has been heavily involved with coaching in Tullow RFC going back to his early playing days. We believe he has a very bright future in coaching and I think it’s a win-win for both sides to have him back here.
“In addition to his experience, Seán has always been a brilliant presence in the Leinster changing room and I think our group will be excited and energised by having him back involved.”
O’Brien himself spoke to leinsterugby.ie about his appointment, saying “I always said that you’d never know what the future holds and I’ve taken my time to work out what’s next for me. While I have loved my time with London Irish and living in London, the time is right to move back home and this is a brilliant opportunity now to get back and to get back to work with Leinster Rugby.
“I’d like to thank Leo for the opportunity and it’s an exciting one. Building on the great work of Hugh Hogan and most recently Denis Leamy, I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“Working with players that I already know but there is also some real talent coming through and to be having my first coaching opportunity back home at Leinster, is pretty special. They’ve got a busy week ahead of them with Glasgow to come on Saturday and I’ll be a very keen supporter watching them to the end of the season.”
Leinster will look to bounce back from their Champions Cup final disappointment when they take on Glasgow Warriors in their URC Quarter Final Saturday at 3:15pm.
