Awards
On 25 May 2011, O'Brien was named ERC European Player of the Year following a season where Leinster were Heineken Cup champions. He was one of five players shortlisted from the 24 Heineken Cup and 20 Amlin Challenge Cup teams that included Leinster teammates Jamie Heaslip, Isa Nacewa, as well as, Stade Français' Sergio Parisse, and Northampton Saints' Soane Tonga'uiha.
On 15 August 2011, O'Brien was awarded the Guinness/Rugby Writers of Ireland player of the year and received his award at a function in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
On 4 October 2011, O'Brien was named as the 'Player of Pool C' by the IRB.
O'Brien was also named, at Openside Flanker, on the Sydney Morning Herald's 'Team of the World Cup Pool Stages', alongside team mates Paul O'Connell and Cian Healy.
On 24 October 2011, the official Rugby World Cup website named O'Brien one of the tournament's 'Top Five Star Players.'
Read more about this topic: Sean O'Brien (rugby Player)