O’Brien, the Ireland and Lions flanker who joined London Irish in 2019 after spending 11 years at Leinster, said his preconceptions about the Premiership were quickly shattered and that it was a tournament which quickly turned boys into men.
“I did not realise how tough this league was,” said the 34-year-old O’Brien, who has one year left on his contract with Irish. “I was in the PRO14 bubble for a long time and would only come across a few English teams.
“Being here, you appreciate it is very different; everyone has big packs and backs and the physicality is huge.
“You can have easier games in the PRO14, but in the Premiership anyone can beat anyone in a given week. The standard of rugby and the brand some are playing makes it hugely exciting. I have a new-found respect for how good and tough it is. It has been an eye-opener for me and a learning curve.”
O’Brien knew when he made the move to Irish that his international career, which saw him win 56 caps for Ireland and five for the Lions, was all but over because exiles are very rarely considered for selection.
But he feels the Premiership would help develop players more quickly than if they remained in the PRO14.
“There is a case for young Ireland players to come here, forwards especially,” he said. “Playing in the Premiership, and even the Championship, would harden them up. They grow into a man very quickly over here. It would be good for their development and it is something that could be looked at down the line.
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