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Munster statement: Peter O'Mahony steps down as captain
Long-serving Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony has relinquished the captaincy after more than a decade in the role at the Irish province.
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The 34-year-old, who led the British and Irish Lions in their first Test of the 2017 New Zealand tour, has decided to give up the responsibility just months after leading the club to their first silverware since 2011.
O’Mahony was the Munster captain when they lifted the URC trophy in Cape Town last May and he went on to play an integral part for Andy Farrell’s Ireland at the recent Rugby World Cup, which ended in a quarter-final exit at the hands of the All Blacks.
The back-rower skippered Munster last Saturday in Limerick in their rematch against the Stormers, but he played just the first half in his sole club appearance so far this season due to a shoulder injury.
The extent of that knock has yet to be confirmed but, in the meantime, O’Mahony has decided to give up the captaincy. A statement read: “Munster Rugby can confirm that Peter O’Mahony has made the decision to step down as squad captain after over 10 years leading the province.
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“O’Mahony first captained Munster in a competitive game on September 3, 2011, at the age of 21. It was just his 12th appearance for the province and he led the side for the opening five games of that season. He took over the Munster captaincy on a permanent basis ahead of the 2013/14 season following the departure of Doug Howlett.
“The 2022/23 season was O’Mahony’s 10th year as squad captain and it ended with glory in Cape Town as he lifted the URC title with Keith Earls after a thrilling win over the Stormers.
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“Along with captaining Munster, he has also led Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. Head coach Graham Rowntree and the coaching team will select a new squad captain in due course.”
O’Mahony said: “Captaining Munster has been a dream come true for me. I grew up watching and idolising the Munster team and in particular, the people who were leading the team.
“People like Mick Galwey, Jim Williams then on to the likes of Ronan O’Gara and Paul (O’Connell), who I had the privilege of playing with at the start of my career. I can remember the day I was asked to be captain like it was yesterday and discussing it with Paul to get his approval.
“From that day to this it has been an utter privilege and has never been something I have taken for granted. However, having given a huge amount of thought to it, it is the right time to step back from the role to share my experiences and give the same guidance that I received when I took on the role. What an unbelievable honour it has been… and will always continue to be.”
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Rowntree added: “You couldn’t pick a better leader than Pete and he has been a fantastic captain for this club. To lead Munster from such a young age and for so many years speaks volumes of his ability as a player on the pitch and a person off it.
“He commands huge respect and will still be a massive leader within the group. To have someone with Pete’s experience on hand to help us with the succession process is invaluable. We have a strong leadership group within the squad and will confirm a new squad captain in due course.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments