Stalwart O'brien Back At Scene Of Dragons Breakthrough

That led to O'Brien - who was adjacent to a Wales call-up for 2026 Six Nations - getting his large changeable successful betwixt knowledgeable scrum-half Richie Rees and stalwart centre Ashley Smith.

"It was my first play being successful nan elder environment," said O'Brien, who vanished pinch erstwhile South Africa fly-half Morne Steyn arsenic his other number.

"I was a young kid and I suppose it gave maine assurance because it was a awesome experience. I'd only really played for Cross Keys earlier that truthful to person a commencement retired astatine Stade Francais and get a triumph retired location was massive."

Stade, who are 3rd successful nan Top 14, person rotated their squad for nan fixture against Dragons but boast formidable extent and will expect to gain a location quarter-final against either Zebre aliases Pau.

However, Dragons person been a tougher seed to ace this play and spell into nan fixture caller from spirited showings against Stormers and Lions successful South Africa.

"They're a very bully squad and are going really good successful nan Top 14 but it's an breathtaking situation we are each looking guardant to," said O'Brien, who passed 500 points for nan nine past weekend.

"They are very vulnerable and a bully attacking outfit but it's an breathtaking opportunity successful nan knockout shape and we are fresh to get aft it."