Peter O’Mahony has achieved the ultimate honour of being named captain of his country, but doubt remains over his Ireland and Munster future.
According to the Irish Times, the back-rower has yet to be offered a new deal by either the Irish Rugby Football Union or his province.
It was announced in February last year that had signed an extension to his central contract, which would take him to the end of the 2023/24 season.
However, if reports are to be believed, negotiations have not even been opened to extend his stay beyond the current campaign.
The IRFU may well be hesitant to offer another central contract for someone who might not make it to the next Rugby World Cup, but Wednesday’s news may change all that.
Upon for the 2024 , head coach also confirmed that O’Mahony would lead the side in the tournament.
It would certainly be odd should the captain of not be offered a new deal, but his future is up in the air, and Munster defence coach Denis Leamy remained coy over the matter.
“I think Wig [Graham Rowntree] has probably spoken about it over the last while. It’s an ongoing process, and it’s probably unfair for me to comment any further than that,” Leamy told reporters.
“That’s still ongoing, so we’ll just have to wait and see how that pans out.”
Leamy knows O’Mahony well, having played in the game in which the now Munster legend made his Heineken Cup debut in 2011.
The Irish province beat Northampton Saints 23-21 thanks to a late Ronan O’Gara drop-goal following a pass from the base of the ruck by Leamy.
“Pete is a great standard-driver,” he said.
“Obviously, he has great experience, and he has been around a long time at this stage. That game was played in 2011, and he has had a lot of big games for Munster — and Ireland and the Lions — in between.
“He just brings a great calmness, a great standard-setter and just his ability to play rugby as well is fantastic.”
The flanker has struggled with injury since the Rugby World Cup, making just two appearances following the conclusion of the tournament.
He sustained an injury in Munster’s clash with the Stormers in November but has returned just in time for the Six Nations.
O’Mahony started their Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulon and played 63 minutes in the impressive 29-18 triumph.
Although the 34-year-old might need a couple of games to get back to full match fitness, his influence was obvious as they kept their Champions Cup hopes alive.
“It was great to have him back for last Saturday; he brought everyone with him, great leadership,” Leamy added.
“He’s someone that I think makes others feel better about themselves, and certainly, in the south of France, you need everyone feeling good about themselves.
Pete was a great addition last Saturday.”
