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6th February 2024
07:32pm GMT

"I'm the captain. That's it," O'Mahony replied. "I'm the captain for the Six Nations, and very honoured to be."Clarke was not easing off, though. He raised the point that Rory Best and Johnny Sexton had bowed out after World Cups at the respective ages of 37 and 38. "How long can you go on for?" he then asked. "I won't be going that long," O'Mahony confirmed, "but I've plenty more rugby in me... The day you stop learning is the day you start packing it in. That doesn't seem to be the case here so, I've plenty more in me." All that has occurred since Ireland were eliminated from the World Cup, all the talk of the IRFU not offering a central contract for next season and Munster contract talks being put on hold. All that tied into O'Mahony's post-match comments, in Marseille, and a big decision taken by Andy Farrell during the game. It all leads to something that many of us have not considered too much - are we already well into Peter O'Mahony's last season, and last dance? [caption id="attachment_293177" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Peter O'Mahony of Ireland celebrates victory over South Africa, at Stade de France in Paris. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]
"I always speak to players, no matter what. To me, it's the same as anything. It's about how you're performing and how you're playing. Certainly, whether your form warrants getting selected and whether your body can do that. I think those type of decisions, as far as that's concerned, become pretty obvious if you allow what's pretty natural to happen. I didn't have to persuade Pete, no."During his interview with Gabriel Clarke, O'Mahony said Farrell had "absolutely" extended his rugby career. "He's had an incredible impact on me as a person, and as a rugby player... he's a man you would follow." If Farrell came to O'Mahony with the prospect of leading Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations, and in a two-Test summer tour to take on the world champion Springboks, and to see where everything lay after that, you can be sure the mutual respect the pair have for each other sealed the deal. In Marseille, the Munster man spoke of how he would have gladly 'packed it in' on Saturday morning if he knew his Ireland team would start the Six Nations with a record-breaking win over France. Beside him, Farrell gave him a nudge and O'Mahony joked it was merely a figure of speech. Something about the whole situation feels like the veteran is sticking around while others find their voice, and crave that leadership chance, around him. O'Mahony does not see himself playing on until the 2027 World Cup in Australia, but he can help this team transition over the next season (or two), and leave them in good shape to kick on. The immediate goals of Six Nations and South Africa are there. Farrell would, understandably, love to have O'Mahony in-situ while he takes his Lions sabbatical [December 2024 until August 2025] but that probably feels an age away. As for the man that would replace him as Ireland captain? I think we got our answer on Friday night. [caption id="attachment_292995" align="aligncenter" width="642"]
Ireland players, from left, Josh van der Flier, James Lowe, Caelan Doris and Andrew Porter. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]
"It's a massive one to captain a team. I sort of put a bit of pressure on myself to do a good job. In some ways, as much as it's an honour, it can be less enjoyable at times. It's definitely more work, which is more rewarding at times too. "I've been enjoying trying to do it this season a little bit more, without the title. After that experience in 2018 [as captain of Leinster and Ireland U18s], I wasn't as forthright and not at the forefront, in terms of leading. I'm trying to develop that again over the last number of seasons."Doris and Hugo Keenan were added to Ireland's leadership group, last season, with an eye firmly on the future. With Johnny Sexton retired, Dan Sheehan is also being looked upon as someone to take on a greater stake in how this team operates. In terms of frontrunners, though, Caelan Doris is ahead of the rest. Keep an eye on the rest of the Six Nations team selections - do not be surprised if we get Doris as captain for one of the next four games. O'Mahony will continue to put off talk of the future, and contract offers, for as long as possible and focus on the honour afforded him by Farrell. Let's enjoy this guy while we still have him around.
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