O’Gara sees Heaslip moving to France, but not O’Brien... yet

Ronan O’Gara can see Jamie Heaslip making the move to France, but does not think Sean O’Brien will follow.

The former Ireland out-half and current assistant Racing Metro coach believes both men could easily end up in France for financial reasons, but the timing is not right for both of them to go.

“Sean O’Brien is 26 and has 30 caps for Ireland, Jamie is 30 and has 60 caps — so you are not comparing like with like,” he said on Sky Sports News.

“Jamie is very durable and could easily stand up to it, but, maybe it’s the time for him to make the best of his career and what’s best for him financially, setting himself up for the future. He has given everything to Leinster and Ireland, there comes a time where maybe you think: ‘yes I need to do this’. You can perfectly see that. But I think someone like Sean O’Brien, the exact same could apply in four years time, he doesn’t need to make the move now.

“But we are not privy to the deals being put on the table. He could set up for a great career when rugby does end. I think that’s why there is such a song and dance being made about it: because they are wanted.

“These two players will attract the best clubs. Toulon may appeal to them, because there is a cultural change there and it’s something they might do. But there are two separate arguments for both of them.”