O'Brien keen to make most of Ireland chance

O'Brien wants to establish his Test credentials after a successful season with Leinster

Versatile back Jimmy O'Brien says he is keen to make the most of his chance with Ireland while the bulk of the squad are on British and Irish Lions duty.

O'Brien made his Test debut against South Africa in 2022, but has been in and out of the squad since, with injuries playing their part.

The 28-year-old, who can operate at full-back, centre and on either wing, has been retained for Saturday's Test against Portugal, having played 80 minutes of last weekend's 34-5 win over Georgia in the 15 jersey.

"It's about taking the opportunity," said O'Brien, who was a key part of Leinster's 2024-25 United Rugby Championship win.

"Obviously some of the lads are away with Lions and there's a lot of lads, myself included, who have been waiting for an opportunity to play over the last couple of years.

"[We're] trying to get back in the green shirt so we're trying to take the opportunity when we get it."

O'Brien says the Ireland squad are expecting "polar opposite" conditions in Lisbon after the heavy rain they experienced in Tbilisi.

"Portugal are probably a bit more used to this than us," added Kildare native.

"They'll probably try and keep the ball in play and run us around but we back our fitness and hopefully we can perform."