Ireland’s flanker O’Brien will retire at the end of the season

Sean O’Brien plays for Leinster against Toulouse in 2019. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien It was announced on Friday that he would retire at the end of the season.

O’Brien won 56 caps for Ireland and played in five Tests for the British & Irish Lions on tours to Australia and New Zealand.

The 35-year-old spent 11 seasons at Leinster, winning the European Cup and four league titles before joining English Premiership club London Irish in 2019.

O’Brien was named European Player of the Year eleven years ago.

“After much deliberation and consultation with my family and friends, I can confirm that I have made the decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season,” O’Brien said in a statement.

“I’m lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights in my career. Internationally, I feel privileged to have played 56 caps for Ireland.

“I gave everything I could and I will look back with great pride every time I have donned the Irish jersey to represent my country, my county, my friends and family.”

We live in a world where fact and fiction blur

In uncertain times, you need journalism you can trust. Only for R75 per monthyou have access to a world of in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today.