O'Brien is a versatile lock who can play across the back row. He has represented Ireland at U18,19 & 20 level but was ruled out of the 2014 Junior World Cup.
He broke through into the Connacht senior side in the 2015/2016 season, when he made his senior debut against Enisey-STM after replacing John Muldoon.
O'Brien made his first Pro12 appearance shortly after when he came off the bench, in a historic win, that saw Coonnacht beat Munster at Thomond Park for the first time since 1986.
He signed a contract with Connacht that would see him be a full squad member for the 2016/2017 season.
In November 2017, O'Brien signed a two-year contract extension to his contract, remaining at the Sportsground up to the end of 2019-20 season.
November 2019 saw him renew his terms with the province up to the end of the 2021/22 season.
As of April 2020, the Connacht native has made 57 appearances for the province since making his senior debut in 2015.
Career
 |
Connacht Rugby Blindside Flanker |
2015 - present |
 |
Ireland U20's No 5 Lock |
2014 - 2015 |
