#3. Sean O’Brien
The former Ireland and Lions back-rower will be joined his boyhood club Tullow RFC in Division 1A of the Leinster League at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Having concluded his professional career at the end of the 2021/22 season with London Irish, the former Ireland back-rower initially faced a setback when his request to play for his hometown club was denied due to Leinster Branch player safety regulations. Consequently, he played for Naas RFC in Division 1B of the All Ireland League with hopes of eventually transferring to Tullow to compete for the Town’s Cup.
Originally anticipated to sit out two seasons from professional rugby, Leinster has granted him a dispensation, allowing him to return to competitive play for Tullow. This marks his first competitive appearance for the club since his teenage years when he moved to UCD.
Alongside his playing commitments, the ‘Tullow Tank’ has been balancing his role as Leinster’s contact skills coach, a position he took up last season.
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