Sean O'Brien has revealed that Leo Cullen did not want him to leave Leinster, following confirmation of his move to London Irish.
The Lions flanker spoke about the situation surrounding his move, and the speed with which the situation played out between the two clubs - and that Leinster coach Leo Cullen did not want the move to go ahead.
"In an ideal world, he would like me to finish out my career at Leinster. But he knows as well the way the system works and that people have to make decisions for themselves.
"I would say that Leo doesn't want to leave, but that's the way it is."
In broader terms, O'Brien opened up about the situation at the province.
"You make these decisions based on a lot of things, but it was probably the toughest thing I have ever had to do, in leaving Leinster.
"I never thought that I was going to be in this situation but that is the way it goes sometimes, and that is the environment we're in in professional sport."
"When you start out your career in a province, and you have been there during the real bad days, and there through the really good days. It ebbs and flows.
"I know that at the end of this season, that I will have done what I could for Leinster and done it to the best of my ability.
"It's not going to be a case where I'm leaving with a load of regrets or anything like that - I'm happy with my contribution so far, and hopefully the next six or seven months."
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