Peter O’Mahony decision ‘imminent’ amidst retirement talk while Munster boss addresses RG Snyman absence

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree insists that an announcement on Peter O’Mahony’s future is “imminent” amidst reports the Ireland captain could leave or even retire.

The 34-year-old was announced as the country’s new skipper ahead of the Six Nations, taking over from the retired Johnny Sexton, but by that point he had not been offered a new deal.

It was eventually revealed in late-February that O’Mahony, alongside Conor Murray, had finally been presented with contract offers.

Six Nations finale

However, it is not guaranteed that the back-rower will stay in the game with reports emerging that Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations finale against Scotland would be his last-ever international encounter.

The flanker revealed following the match that he would discuss his future with his family and then come to a decision.

It would be a shame should O’Mahony hang up his boots, especially with the back-row proving that he still has much to give the game from a playing point of view.

He was in fine form during Munster’s 20-15 triumph over Cardiff on Saturday and Rowntree praised his efforts.

“Pete was great tonight,” he said. “He had a big performance, he spoke really well without being the team captain, spoke really well and it was a real, battling performance from Pete tonight.”

That then prompted a question over his future, to which the head coach replied: “I’ve opened up this door now, haven’t I,” before adding: “Imminent I think. There’ll be news on that imminently.”

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O’Mahony’s decision could therefore come ahead of Munster’s Champions Cup knockout tie against Northampton Saints this weekend.

They face a tough task against the Premiership leaders and they will need all their experienced players out on the field.

Injuries

The Irish province were without Springbok Rugby World Cup winner RG Snyman against Cardiff, while Jack O’Donoghue, Calvin Nash and Murray were also missing.

“It’s a knockout game in Europe, it sits in its own context. It’s a huge game and we’ve been through a few of those. So we’ll see,” Rowntree said.

“My job now is to regroup this team, the squad to see what guys are available. RG pulled out with a sickness, I think he’ll be all right. Jack O’Donoghue with his knee, Calvin Nash got a bit of a leg knock.”

Munster’s boss was more categorical over Murray’s fitness with the Ireland scrum-half undergoing a “minor procedure” to make sure he is available for the Champions Cup clash.

“He had an organised and pre-planned minor medical procedure at the end of the week which we knew about and he’ll be available next week,” he said.

“It was booked for that time but it’s not a long-term concern, Conor will be available next week.”

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