
25 year-old came on in the 27th minute
Yesterday Ireland’s men’s rugby team beat reigning World Champions South Africa at Lansdowne Road, in the first of three Autumn Nations Series games – finishing 19-16.
25 year-old Jimmy O’Brien earned his first cap, replacing Stuart McCloskey in the 27th minute, due to injury.
O’Brien played outside centre, with his Leinster team-mate Garry Ringrose moving inside.
The Kildare native spoke with Ringrose on Friday night discussing the possibility of playing together in midfield.
The former Newbridge College student was due to start on the wing for Ireland A’s clash with an All Blacks selection on Friday evening at the RDS, but due to an injury ruling Robbie Henshaw out of the starting 15, O’Brien took a place on the bench.