O’Brien returns after lengthy injury lay-off

SEAN O’BRIEN made his long awaited return to action yesterday in the British and Irish Cup and is now hoping to build enough fitness to take part in Ireland’s autumn campaign.

The Leinster openside had not played since picking up a hamstring injury against France in the Six Nations and, for his first outing in eight months, he played only the first half of Leinster A’s game at Richmond.

The Lions back rower now faces a race against the clock to be ready in time for Ireland’s upcoming Tests which start in Chicago against New Zealand in three weeks.

“It’s good to be back,” he exclusively told The Rugby

Paper at Richmond’s Athletic Ground.

“It’s good to get 40 minutes under my belt even if I was pretty rusty out there. I couldn’t believe some of the stupid things I did on the pitch.

“The plan was to play 40 minutes and I also man- aged to get my hands on the ball a few times.

“I’ll probably play in the B&I Cup again next week and see where I am after that. I’ll see how I go over the next couple of weeks and see if I’m fit enough to be up for selection in the PRO12. I’m not thinking about Test rugby just yet.”