'I need to lean into that, that's my strength' - O'Brien happy to be Ireland's swiss-army knife

It's early days in the Test career of Leinster's Jimmy O'Brien, but the Kildare man is already proving himself to be Ireland's Mr Versatile.

In four Irish games, he's played across three different positions, his caps bookended by substitute appearances in the centre against South Africa and Italy, either side of starts at full-back and left wing.

Crucially, he's looked comfortable in whatever jersey he's worn.

His cameo against Italy was a brief one, replacing Stuart McCloskey in the final eight minutes, but he proved himself more than capable at outside centre on his debut against the Springboks, when he also replaced the Ulsterman midway through the first half.

Back at Leinster, he's just as familiar on the right wing, starting in the 14 shirt in every one of last season's Champions Cup knockout games.

"I haven't gone at 9 or 10 yet, only for Leinster! Give it time!" he laughs, when asked about his role as Ireland's swiss-army knife.

"Centres, each wing, full-back, yeah."

While some people see versatility as a sign that a player hasn't nailed down one specific position, the 26-year-old doesn't see it that way.

"Growing up, when I was playing a couple of positions people [would speak] as if it's going to work against you or whatever, but I think now it works for me," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who can play multiple positions and I need to lean into that, that's my strength. Just make sure I know every position.

"The other day, if I got put in wing, 13 or full-back; I'd know it."

Being a jack-of-all-trades is far from the easy option. At the top level of rugby, each position comes with its own set of homework, detailed analysis of how the opposition line up and move in attack and defence.

As a result, covering each wing, centre