Sean O'Brien's Leinster return is a serious addition to the province, says Josh van der Flier.
Denis Leamy's move back to Munster opened the door for O'Brien to come in as Leinster's new contact skills coach.
“We did a bit more contact work last week and Sean ran the session," said van der Flier.
READ MORE: Van der Flier's inner voice makes him hungry to improve despite best ever season
"He’s been brilliant. Some of the expertise he’s brought, especially around the ruck and ball carrying, he’s been really, really good.
"And especially on a personal level as well, he’s always been really good to me in terms of back row stuff, whether it’s tactics or technique, that kind of thing.
“So I’m looking forward to working with him on those kinds of things as well.”
Speaking ahead of next week's URC kick-off, the flanker added: "He’s obviously the same personality that we all know and love but he’s been brilliant, he has great authority.
"Everyone, younger lads and older lads who would have known from playing, all have huge respect for him.
“He’s one of those guys, once he starts talking everyone goes silent and listens.
"He’s shown already, as a coach, he deserves respect for how good he’s been but as a player he has everyone’s respect for what he did and brought through his career.
"So he’s a great addition to have in Leinster.”
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