Versatile Jimmy O'Brien in no rush to be typecast

O’Brien's versatility means he knows his value and he is no rush to nail down a permanent home in either the Leinster or the Ireland XVs any time soon

VERSATILE: Jimmy O'Brien is in no rush to be pigeon-holed into one position. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

It’s four years since Isa Nacewa called time on his second stint with Leinster and returned to New Zealand but comparisons with the legendary and versatile Kiwi remain the ultimate compliment for those following in his wake.

Nacewa’s influence was as long as it was deep, his eight seasons in blue spanning every position in the backline – including scrum-half – and seeping into the very roots that feed the club’s culture. Not many merit mention in the same sentence.