O’Brien Signs New Three-Year IRFU Contract
The IRFU and Leinster are pleased to announce that Sean O’Brien has signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU which will see him remain at Leinster until after the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Sean O’Brien made his senior debut for Leinster against Cardiff Blues in September 2008 and has since made 98 provincial appearances, scoring 16 tries.
He made his Ireland debut in the 41-6 win over Fiji at the RDS in November 2009, and the 28-year-old has won 41 caps for his country with his last appearance for Ireland a man-of-the-match performance against France at RWC15.
O’Brien became the 104th player to captain Ireland when he skippered the team against Scotland in the GUINNESS Summer Series as part of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup.
The Tullow man toured with the Series-winning British & Irish Lions squad in 2013 and has won three Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 league titles with Leinster.
IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora said: “Sean is not only a proven world class player but he is a leader within the national set-up and at Leinster. The IRFU are delighted that Sean has committed to playing in Ireland until after the next World Cup.”
Leinster CEO Mick Dawson remarked: “Sean is a very important figure within the Leinster set-up and we are delighted to have secured his services for another three years.
“He is a great example to kids out there playing rugby that the ‘Leinster Pathway’ system that we have in place and the effectiveness of same in identifying and nurturing home grown talent from grassroots in Tullow up to the very top level of our sport, is working.”
Commenting on the new contract, Sean added: “Growing up as a young lad in Tullow it was always my ambition to play for Leinster Rugby and Ireland, so you never take moments like this for granted.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to sign with a team that I feel is going in the right direction under Leo (Cullen) and the rest of the coaching staff. I think we have a hugely talented group of players and coaches at provincial and national level and it is something that I want to be a part of.”