O’Brien exit was ‘out of Leinster’s hands’

almost out of Leinster’s hands as soon as that national contract wasn’t offered and Seanie got such a fantastic offer from England,’ said Lancaster. ‘He’s going to coaches he knows well, obviously, they’re trying to build themselves back into a Premiership side... it’s a fantastic signing for London Irish I must say, and a huge blow for us and it feels a bit like when Jamie (Heaslip) finished. ‘It’s a great signing for London Irish, a disappointment for Leinster. But it’s part of the nature of the game, unfortunately.’ The addition of O’Brien is another exciting development for London Irish, who are on course for promotion back to the Premiership next season. They are relocating from Reading to Brentford in south London ahead of the 2020 season. The club have also been strongly linked with former Ulster and Ireland out-half Paddy Jackson in recent months. London Irish are looking to reconnect with the sizeable Irish diaspora in London and the marquee signing of O’Brien should be a major boost. ‘After speaking with Declan it was obvious the ambition London Irish have as a club,’ said O’Brien. ‘I’m keen to roll up the sleeves and use my experience to help re-establish London Irish as a top club in England.’ Meanwhile, Garry Ringrose has returned to Leinster to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury while Rhys Ruddock and Adam Byrne have also been released back to the province after the pair travelled to Edinburgh with the Ireland squad as injury cover last weekend.