Michael Cheika Reveals He Tried To Lure Sean O’Brien Away From Leinster

Australia take on Ireland this weekend with coach Michael Cheika well aware of the threat that Joe Schmidt’s team will bring.

Cheika served as Leinster head coach from 2005-2010, guiding the Irish province to a Heineken Cup and a PRO12 title in his time. The Australian is fondly remembered at Leinster for bringing them their first European title before being replaced by none other than Joe Schmidt when he left.

Stade Francais was his next destination, spending two years with the Top 14 side and ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash at the Aviva, the current Australian boss has revealed he tried to bring Sean O’Brien with him.

“He’s a good lad and I won’t lie about it I tried to sign him when I moved to Stade Francais. He is a quality player and I feel for him a bit because of the number of injuries he has had.”

The Leinster flanker made his long awaited return to an Ireland jersey before putting in a monumental performance of old against New Zealand this past weekend. The Tullow Tank made 2o carries, gaining 36 metres, beating three men against a brutish All Blacks side.

Cheika will no doubt be wary of what the seven can bring to Dublin this weekend.