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O'Brien linked with Racing Metro switch
ESPN Staff
September 21, 2013
Lions flanker Sean O'Brien on the charge, Western Force v British & Irish Lions, Patersons Stadium, Perth, June 5, 2013
Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien is out of contract with the Irish province at the end of this season © Getty Images
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Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien has attempted to play down speculation regarding his playing future amid fresh reports linking him with a move to France.

The Ireland and British & Irish Lions international is out of contract at the end of the current season and he has already been linked with a high-profile switch to French giants Clermont Auvergne. However, their Top 14 rivals Racing Metro are now reportedly leading the chase for the 26-year-old although O'Brien himself insists no deal has been done.

"It's all speculation and rumours," he told The Nationalist before hinting he is keen to leverage his status with his next contract. "I'm not rushing into anything. I'm conscious I have only so many years left at this level and it's important that I look after myself and get as much out of my career as I possibly can."

The Irish Times reports that Racing Metro are favourites to land his signature in a move that would see him link up with international team-mate Jonathan Sexton and former Ireland playmaker Ronan O'Gara who is now on the coaching staff of the Paris-based club.

The newspaper suggests the existing relationship between Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti and O'Brien's agent Fintan Drury of Platinum One, who helped pave the way for Sexton's move, is key although Leinster remain hopeful of retaining the services of both O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip who is also coming off contract.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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