Sean O’Brien and Rory Best have planned a very, very exciting day off

The World Cup is a long tournament and it's important for players to get some time away from rugby every week.

We've seen the Irish team enjoying themselves (some more than others) at Alton Towers, others are known to enjoy a round of golf or a trip to shops and then there is Sean O'Brien and Rory Best, who are going to watch grass grow. Literally. Well, pretty much. The duo, who make up the farming contingent of the Irish squad, are visiting a "grass management farm" Thursday.

"We’re just going to have a look around it," said Tullow native O'Brien, who is looking for consolation after missing this year's Ploughing Championship.

Best's family own a farm in Banbridge, County Down.

O'Brien said the pair are looking forward to some time away from the team hotel in Newport, Celtic Manor, as preparations ramp up for Sunday's pivotal Pool D clash with France at the Millennium Stadium.

“It’s been busy. Our days are filled between training and media obligations and what not. It’s been busy. On our days off lads either play a few holes of golf or chill out and go for dinner or lunch somewhere, or do whatever they want to do themselves.

"It’s been busy, but it’s been good as well. We’ve enjoyed our time together.”

Given Celtic Manor once hosted the Ryder Cup you suspect the golf course is top notch but O'Brien and Best are looking forward to another grass-based activity.

Beats watching paint dry, we guess.