O’Brien hails old friend

Inscribed on Sean O’Brien’s wrist bandage is a little tribute to a man who had a huge influence on his career.

The Tullow Tank, who led Ireland’s defence on Saturday with 23 tackles, has been writing the name Jim on his wrist in honour of his late friend, Jim Kealy.

“When Sean was under 12, he was president and he used to bring him to Leinster trials and South-East training sessions,” said current president of the club, PJ Haskins.

“He would have been the president who brought the club to where it is today and he was a big influence for Sean as well.” Jim passed away a month ago and Sean has been writing his name on his wrist bandage ever since.