Sean O’Brien talks Chris Ashton, NFL hopes, David Bentley and his unnatural love of bacon

England are in his sights and Sean O'Brien insists he will play them in any jersey Joe Schmidt throws at him.

We caught up with O'Brien over tea and a plate of ham sandwiches, and found The Tullow Tank primed to lay some hurt on the English next weekend. Here's Sean on...

... his love of bacon

I used to eat bacon and cabbage on a Sunday growing up on the farm. It's is the healthiest food you can have.... I actually had when I was in New Zealand a few years ago. There was a fella from Carlow was over, himself and his wife. They asked me over for dinner and that's exactly what she cooked.

French hatchet job on Jamie Heaslip

It's not ideal, is it? Especially the way France were going about their business. There was more than just that in the game but that's the way it goes. They could be saying the same about us at certain times as well. They're not the most disciplined team. There was a bit of niggle here and there but nothing you wouldn't expect from the French.

Marking David Bentley on an GAA pitch

No, no I wouldn't [like to]. I'd say he's a rocket.

Playing No.8 against England

Joe Schmist tells me where I am playing. I don't go "Here, Joe, I want to play No.8". He'll decide who he wants to play there and he has lots of options there at the minute... I have no problem playing No.8.

Handbags with Chris Ashton in Wolfhounds v Saxons

I love Chris Ashton! He thought I had slapped, or tapped, his friend on the side of the head but I actually didn't. I had him here [around the shoulder/head] and I was lifting him up off the ground. He said something to me and that's it. I don't know what I said back to him.

Taking on English tackle machine Chris Robshaw

He has unreal work rate. He goes about his business quietly. He is one of those fellas who doesn't say much but he leads by example... I don't know what he's like [personally] but he's not someone you'd look at and say, "He's a bit of a fancypants, you know? A yapper." He's someone who works and who leads his team well.

Another sport you would love to play?

Jesus. Give us a shot at NFL. That's what I'd like. Just for a day. Offence or defence? I don't know. Just give me the ball. A punter. I can't throw a ball anyway, as you could see last week [the lineout against France]. That's my first one missed, ever, in an international. *O'Brien was speaking at the launch of a Bord Bia campaign for Ham and Bacon that will be launched on February 23 and run for a month.