Leinster's Ben Te'o during squad training ahead of their Guinness PRO12, Round 7, game against Edinburgh on Friday (Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE)

Leinster's Ben Te'o, left, and Brendan Macken during squad training ahead of their Guinness PRO12, Round 7, game against Edinburgh on Friday. Leinster Rugby Squad Training, Rosemount, Belfield, UCD, Dublin (Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE)

Ben Te'o insists the legendary No 13 jersey will not be a weight on his shoulders as he prepares to replace Brian O'Driscoll at Leinster.

The New Zealander is set to make his debut for the province on Friday night against Edinburgh having come through 80 minutes for the 'A' side against Carmarthen Quins on Saturday.

A rugby league star in Australia where he was part of the Rabbitohs team that claimed the NRL title three weeks ago, Te'o last played union as a 16-year-old at school and concedes he has plenty to learn.

"There's no pressure," he said. "I've been to a couple of clubs. I filled in for guys that were legends in their own right.

"If you're going somewhere trying to be someone else, to fill their shoes, you're putting pressure on yourself that you don't need. He's a great player. I know what he's done.

"I think we would have two completely different skills sets. I bring something different to the table and that's why they brought me here."

Subtleties

The New Zealander said he would welcome the opportunity to work with O'Driscoll as he comes to terms with the subtleties of union.

"Matt O'Connor talked to me about that early on, but I haven't seen Brian or talked to him yet," he said. "There's a wealth of knowledge in that changing room, guys are talking to me and I'm asking questions.

"But, if I get the opportunity to pick someone like Brian's brain and for him to come and maybe show me a few things, then you'd take it. It would be an honour."

The New Zealander has represented Samoa in international rugby league and is English-qualified, but he remains open to the idea of playing for Ireland when he qualifies through residency in 2017.

"I'm open. I just don't know what the future holds. I've got a lot of work to do to be up to scratch," he said, adding that he does not feel overawed by his union return.

"I'm not daunted. It's a challenge. I'm up for it. I'm going to give it everything I've got."

Irish Independent