Former Ireland and Leinster back row Sean O’Brien has penned a deal to join AIL Division 1B club Naas, after being denied the chance to join Tullow in the Junior ranks.
Naas have confirmed the 35 year old has joined them this evening, he is certainly a high profile addition to their ranks. O’Brien retired from professional rugby at London Irish last season, before taking up a coaching role with Leinster.
The “Tullow Tank” had hoped to rejoin his namesake local team for a final swansong, but an application to feature in both the Towns Cup and Leinster League were rejected by the Leinster Rugby domestic committee.
According to the rulebook set in place, “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,”, this does not prevent players moving to the AIL.
All involved with Naas will have a leader in the dressing room, whether he features as soon as this weekend is yet to be seen, having played 126 times for his province and 56 times capped as an international, Naas will benefit from his ability and experience as they look to drive on from a first round defeat.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.