Jimmy O'Brien happy to join Leinster’s senior brigade

YOUNG BUT EXPERIENCED: Jimmy O'Brien started both of the midweek games against the Maoris during the summer tour to New Zealand, and he is surely on the verge of a first senior cap, not least given injuries in the back three. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Jimmy O’Brien couldn’t help but notice how time had moved on so swiftly and so subtly as he looked back on last week’s visit to the Sportsground and the badge of seniority that he bore at full-back.

Stationed on either side of him was a pair of veritable rookies, Rob Russell patrolling one touchline and Liam Turner the other, with just 13 provincial games combined to their credit before that URC win against Connacht.