O'Brien fit and ready for the new GUINNESS PRO12 season

The 27-year-old suffered a dislocated shoulder playing for Leinster against Ulster in the PRO12 in December, which required surgery.

His recovery was hindered by an infection following the operation but, after initially expecting to miss the remainder of the season, he returned for Leinster's final three games.

And now O'Brien insists he is fully fit for the new campaign and says he is raring to go.

"I feel great," O'Brien told the Irish Independent.

"[Missing the tour] gave the shoulder a bit of time to relax. It was good to recharge the batteries.

"Last week we were called back in. It was a tough week's training. It's now all systems go."

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