O’Brien relishing French sojourn

How did the season in Toulouse come about?We were in contact with David Gerard the former Toulouse, Northampton, and Racing Metro player. He was the ladies coach there last year and is President of that side of club for this season.  He thought we could bring some experience to the group. Many of the team currently represented France at U20 level so the average age of the team is quite young. We raise the average just ever so slightly!

When you went over there to check it out what was it that impressed you?There were many impressive factors about the opportunity. The chance to play a different style of rugby and experience the French culture were key. The set up in the club also seemed very organised and professional and the facilities, coaching staff and standard of rugby seemed ideal.What is the set up there now you've arrived?We train three nights a week with the top 8 squad of over 30 players meaning we can have full games at training nights.  Having those competitive sessions mid-week is fantastic. We also do another session each week with the men's academy to work on position specific skills and line outs which is very beneficial. We also have access to the men's academy gym to carry out our strength and conditioning work.Tell us more about the kind of players in the squad - there are other overseas players too?Stade Toulousain were unbeaten in Division 2 last year are now promoted for their first season in Top 8 so they are a very young side but a side with lots of talent.  A number of them have represented France at youth level and it was difficult to come into a group that had such a good season last year. I felt I was gate crashing a party that I hadn't helped organise.  They have been so welcoming though - belting out Ireland’s call last week was entertaining post-match!For our games we meet four hours before kick-off whereas at home we struggle to get there an hour and a half before kick off!How's the language barrier for training?I have the French I learned at school but no more and that was a while back so it certainly is a challenge but Seraphine Okemba played with Saracens last year, and Rebecca Kearney the Swedish international born in Australian and with a strong Irish surname, is a great translator, speaking an impressive four languages. I try and stick with them for drills and I also make sure I don't go first for drills either!  It's amazing how much of rugby can be relayed through charades, tone and intonation! If the coach is screaming and gesticulating widely you better change something you're doing!I found it frustrating in the games to not understand what the referee was saying. There was some unusual interpretation of the mauling laws.What's the set up for you and Paula in terms of work, expenses, payment and so on?In terms of work, both myself and Paula run businesses at home in Ireland so we continue to work on those remotely. While we are not paid to play we have been looked after in terms of accommodation.What are you hoping to get out of the experience?I have played with Highfield in Cork for seven seasons. It’s a fantastic club and felt so much part of it.  It was difficult to leave but I just wanted something different from rugby. I won't be playing forever so a chance of a season away to learn at a new club sounded perfect.Will you come back during the Six Nations?Our head coach Tom Tierney and the IRFU have been supportive about the whole thing. We are treated like all of the other exiles like Clare Molloy, Jackie Shields and Larissa Muldoon so it's certainly not a new thing for some of our players to be abroad.  The Top 8 takes a break during 6nations so it shouldn't affect the club too much either.You've played your first two games - what was the experience like?We travelled away to Montpeillier for our first game and we knew they were champions and knew some of the names from the national side.  We were told they were unbeaten at home for three seasons so were expecting a baptism of fire.  I think there was an element of surprise and hitting them when they weren't in their stride yet but to start with a win was fantastic. It's always difficult for a team to step up to a new division, players thinking do we belong here, are we ready so a win will help settle us for the season.

Next we had Lille – so that was two opening games against last year's winners and runners which is not exactly the start you would want.  Lille must have had a difficult week after a very serious injury to their hooker in the opening game.  They played with ferocious intensity and kept mentioning her name during breaks in play.  Tears flowed for them after the final whistle and reports are that she is recovering so best wishes to Alice.

More and more players are pursuing overseas opportunities in the game, is there scope for more of that?Why not? The language barrier certainly contributes to it for France but what better way to learn a language than to be immersed in it – I am hoping I'll actually be more proficient by the time I'm finished!