O’Brien hints at switch to France

The IRFU received another shot across its bows yesterday ahead of contract-talk season with Sean O’Brien admitting he will consider the possibility of a move to the French Top 14.

O’Brien, like Jamie Heaslip, is in the last season of his current deal and has been linked with moves to the continent withClermont Auvergne and Jonathan Sexton’s Racing Metro among the potential suitors.

“It is something that I would have to consider,” said the Tullow flanker who is currently recovering from injury and was speaking to Newstalk at the National PloughingChampionships in Ratheniska, Laois.