By John Fallon

Connacht flanker Seán O’Brien is keeping his fingers crossed as he enjoys a run of games free from the injuries which have disrupted his first two seasons in Galway.

He has already doubled the number of games he played last season, and on Sunday in Montpellier he will match the nine matches he featured in during his first campaign with Connacht after joining from Leinster.

“I wish that there was some secret magical formula that I’d put together this season or whatever like that, because it has been pretty good. I’ve managed to get on top of the injuries anyway thus far,” said the 25-years-old.

“I haven’t been doing anything crazy different or anything like that, it’s just I think I was due a little bit of luck.

“I’ll just keep my head down and keep doing the same things I suppose and hopefully stay injury free.”

O’Brien, born in Pittsburgh to Irish parents before moving to Dublin when he was one, came through the Leinster academy and made three appearances for Leo Cullen’s side, having spent his formative years with Greystones RFC and Blackrock College.

Stuart Lancaster, familiar with him from his time with Leinster, has selected him for eight of the games this season and former Irish U-20 O’Brien has revelled in that run of games.

“I’ve been playing a bit more, so I’ve been enjoying that, just kind of like week-to-week, being involved and stuff in the team has been good. I’ve put together a good run of games, which was enjoyable, so yeah, looking forward to this weekend even now,” he added.

Connacht head to Montpellier on the back of three URC defeats and having one win and one loss from their two games so far in the Challenge Cup.

Montpellier have maximum points from their two games and go into this one having thrashed Bayonne 62-22 in the Top 14 at the weekend, so O’Brien has a fair idea of the reception awaiting them.

“But it’s why you’re playing rugby at a high level,” he added. “Of course you want to go over to France and play these types of games.

“Why wouldn’t you be excited for that challenge? I know on paper it looks like a very difficult challenge and stuff like that but why not go over there and get a result? We’re excited for that for sure.

“They’re a good side. They’re in the top six in the Top 14 for a reason. We know we’re going to have to be very close to, if not at our best, to be in the game,” he said.

Pictured: Connacht’s Sean O’Brien (centre) celebrates after scoring Connacht’s first try in their home game with Leinster last season.