Brian O'Brien (rugby union)

Brian Anthony Philip O'Brien (5 July 1939 – 28 February 2023) was an Irish rugby union player, selector, coach and team manager.

Brian O'Brien
Birth nameBrian Anthony Philip O'Brien
Date of birth5 July 1939
Place of birthLimerick, County Limerick, Ireland
Date of death28 February 2023(2023-02-28) (aged 83)
Place of deathLimerick, County Limerick, Ireland
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1955–1970 Shannon ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
Munster ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1968 Ireland 3 0

Career

In his youth, O'Brien played as a centre with Shannon. He was part of the club's first ever Munster Senior Cup success in 1960. O'Brien later became Shannon's first ever international when he was part of the Ireland squad for the 1968 Five Nations.[1]

O'Brien spent nearly 15 years playing at senior level with Shannon, before going on to coach them to consecutive Munster Senior Cup titles in 1977 and 1978. He later served as a selector for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions during the latter's 1983 tour to New Zealand.[2] O'Brien's other coaching roles included periods as manager of the Irish U21 team and the Shannon team that won four successive All-Ireland League titles.[3] He also served as team manager of the Munster and Ireland teams.

Death

O'Brien died in Limerick on 28 February 2023, at the age of 83.[4]

References
  1. "Former Munster manager and rugby stalwart Brian O'Brien passes away". Limerick Leader. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  2. "Former Munster and Ireland team manager Brian O'Brien dies". The 42. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  3. "Four-In-A-Row: Anthony Foley And The Great Shannon Team Of The 1990s". balls.ie. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  4. "Former Ireland international player and team manager Brian O'Brien dies, aged 83". Irish Times. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
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