Ireland's World Cup preparation unaffected by news on Johnny Sexton's ban - Jimmy O'Brien

Ireland full-back Jimmy O'Brien assures that Johnny Sexton's three-match ban will not have any negative impact on the team's preparations for the World Cup.

Sexton received the suspension for misconduct following an incident where he was seemingly involved in a heated exchange with match officials towards the end of Leinster's Champions Cup final, which resulted in defeat to La Rochelle.

Although the ban implies that the 38-year-old fly-half will be absent from Ireland's three warm-up fixtures, he will still be eligible to play in their opening World Cup match against Romania in Bordeaux.

"It is what it is," he told BBC Sport.

“We’ll just keep going, and other lads will get a chance [to play in the warm-up games]. He’ll be back for the World Cup, and it hasn’t really affected us much.”

reland is gearing up to commence their World Cup preparations by facing Italy, England, and Samoa in warm-up matches scheduled for August.

Following these warm-up fixtures, the highly anticipated tournament kicks off in France in September, where Ireland finds themselves placed in Pool B. Alongside Romania, Scotland, Tonga, and the reigning champions South Africa, they will compete in the group stage and O'Brien is eager to make most of the opportunity.

“Hopefully I get a chance to play in a few of them,” the Leinster back added.

“There are so many good players I’m sure everyone will be the same and they’ll all get a chance. Whenever I play, hopefully I play well and put my hand up.”