The Tullow talent

He has taken Irish, European and world rugby by storm but Sean O’Brien won’t be forgetting his background any time soon. Terry Reilly paints a revealing portrait of the Leinster leader

THERE’s a revealing tale that is verifiable through reliable witness account about Sean O’Brien and his elevation to Leinster’s senior squad.

Three years ago, a Leinster A selection visited their Saracens counterparts for a pre-season friendly. English international Dan Scarbrough didn’t see it as that, however, grabbing O’Brien by the throat with an accompanying invite to “Fuck off back to Ireland and eat your potatoes”. An intimidating scenario for most youngsters, but not for Carlow’s O’Brien: “I’ll give ya spuds,” he said, and promptly knocked the winger out.