We knew the news on Peter O’Mahony’s injury was bad when he crumpled to the ground in the World Cup win over France last month.
The Munster captain suffered a major knee ligament injury in the game and was initially ruled out until the New Year.
Ireland's Peter O'Mahony is ruled out for the rest of Rugby World Cup after suffering a knee injury in recent 24-9 win over France. #RWC2015
— SBOTOP (@SBOBET) October 12, 2015
It was hoped that the Corkman would be back early after Christmas which would have given him at least some chance to play in Ireland’s attempt to win a third Six Nations title in-a-row.
But news emerging from the European Champions Cup launch on Wednesday suggested that his Munster, and their head coach, are planning for life without the forward until march at the earliest
Peter O'Mahony expected back in action around March according to Anthony Foley. "Hopeful" he will feature before the end of the season.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) November 4, 2015
O’Mahony’s absence means that Joe Schmidt will be without the Munster man as well as Tommy Bowe who also suffered a knee injury in the loss to Argentina and is set to miss the next six months.
The Limerick man’s place as Munster captain has been taken now by the Irish qualified CJ Stander until his return next spring.
Foley confirms that CJ Stander is the captain for the rest of the season in the absence of Peter O'Mahony. Well done @CJStander! #SUAF
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) November 4, 2015