It is almost four months since Sean O’Brien was ruled out of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, a retaliatory swing at Pascal Papé of France leading to his suspension for a knockout game in which Ireland were furthered hampered by injuries.

Sitting out Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat by Argentina due to suspension was tough to take but there is a little bit of Sean O’Brien that doesn’t regret lashing out at Pascal Papé in the opening minutes of the final pool game against France.

The full extent of the damage caused to Jamie Heaslip’s back by Pascal Papé’s knee on Saturday was revealed last night when the Ireland camp revealed the No.8 has been ruled out for a month.