Ireland coach Joe Schmidt wants Sean O'Brien to stay at Leinster.

O'Brien who's contract runs out at the end of the season has been subject to interest from big spending French clubs.

The 26-year-old had told The Pat Kenny Show that he would consider a move to France.

Schmidt who coached O'Brien at Leinster and who has previously coached with Clermont in France says the Tullow man could elongate his career by staying in Ireland rather than moving to the more punishing French top flight.

"I know French clubs and while they might say they'll look after you, they don't have the same motivation as the provinces have in Ireland," Schimdt told Off The Ball yesterday. (You can listen to the full interview with Schmidt and Les Kiss here).

Discussions regarding O'Brien's contract are taking place with the IRFU.