Sean O'Brien relishing life as a coach in Leinster environment

Former Ireland international Sean O'Brien expects to stay in the same coaching role with Leinster next season ahead of the province's backroom ticket being finalised.

Senior coach Stuart Lancaster will depart for Racing 92 at the end of the season, having joined the club in 2016.

Leinster are yet to announce a direct replacement for the former England boss, widely credited for establishing the team’s style of play, which has kept them at the top table in Europe over the last five seasons.

O’Brien rejoined Leinster as a coach in June 2022 following the end of his playing career, which he saw out at London Irish.

He confirmed to RTÉ Sport that he would remain in his role as contact skills coach.

"I’m probably going to stay in the same role, by all accounts," said the 36-year-old former Ireland and Lions flanker.

"I’m happy with the way things are going, I can chip in with bits and pieces whether it be attack or defence, breakdown etc.

"I’m not just confined to one thing, which is nice. If I see something that needs to be fixed or a better way of doing it, coaches are all ears.

"It’s a nice role to be in and it gives me opportunities to learn more and develop myself."

Current Ireland captain Johnny Sexton confirmed at the weekend that he had played his last game for Leinster with the timeline for recovery from his groin surgery going beyond the end of this season.

Sexton will step away from rugby after the World Cup and said he felt that his team-mates might benefit from a break from his voice following more than a decade of driving the standards at the club.

O’Brien lined out 126 times for Leinster before moving to England and now coaches many of his former team-mates.

"I’ve really enjoyed it," he said as Leinster prepare to fly to