MUNSTER LEGEND DONNCHA O’Callaghan believes it is important that Munster retain the services of Peter O’Mahony but understands that other factors could lead to the team captain leaving the province.
It has been reported that O’Mahony has rejected an offer from the IRFU to extend his current contract while clubs in France and England are also said to be interested in recruiting him.
The 28-year-old revealed at a press conference today that he hopes to have a decision made about his future by early January, and is electing to focus on Munster’s Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers this weekend.
Two-time Heineken Cup winner O’Callaghan says that he would love to see O’Mahony remain at Munster, but accepts that the Cork native has other things to consider in deciding his future.
Speaking on Newstalk’s Off The Ball, he said:
“Someone like Peter is desirable, you put him in your pack and straight away you have all the values he brings as well as his skill-set.
“I know he’ll be highly sought after but this is what goes on, everyone’s playing their part now – agents, players, the IRFU, even the media (and) the way it’s been dropped in.
“This is what happens now, this is nearly the dance of getting this deal over the line.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer, Peter O’Mahony playing for Munster at the moment is vital. I think he’s of a higher value to Munster than he is probably to Ireland, the way everything is going under Joe Schmidt.
“Especially for Cork rugby, it’s massive for Cork rugby with everything that’s gone on with the move to the one centre in (UL) Limerick and Thomond Park getting every European Cup game, I just think if you’re a young boy in Christians (Christian Brothers College) and Pres (Presentation Brothers College) there, you need to see your local heroes out on the big stage.
It’s important for me that Pete stays but I can see where money comes into it, and that he could be lured away and I know some of the clubs would pay any money to have quality like himself.”
Remarking on Munster’s clash against Leicester at the weekend, O’Callaghan recalled the 2007 meeting between the sides in Thomond Park.
Leicester’s 13-6 victory marked the end of province’s lengthy undefeated streak on home soil. It was also their last game there before the stadium was renovated.
O’Callaghan however, said that maintaining that record had become somewhat draining for them.
“The record was actually like a burden, I promise you. Bar losing that match, you were kind of glad it was gone because it nearly got to the point where you preferred playing away because every time it was on the line and it just became a massive monkey on your back every time you went out.”
When asked if it was discussion point before many games, he added:
“The whole time. Thomond (Park) was special and it was the last game in the old stadium which was completely different. It was a different type of atmosphere, it was way more terracy. I just remember small things about that game, I remember the whistle going and I just honestly couldn’t believe the whistle had gone and we hadn’t won.”
Listen to the full discussion here, which also features Shane Jennings.
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I’m not surprised, the guy is a machine. Himself and Heaslip are built from the same mould.
@Dave Barry: You can add Peter Stringer in there too.
@Dave Barry: from the same what???
@Paddy Mullins: Mould Paddy, you can spell it “mold” but that’s the American way.
@Gary: Peter Stringer best scrum half that never made a lions team !!!!
In fairness still offers more physicality than toner , great pro
@burner: Pointless dig there burner. Ah well, whatever floats your boat.
@burner: God I hate comments like yours. Putting down a player with 50-odd international caps and 200 or so Leinster caps who’s been an important parts of some huge wins I’m sure you’ve enjoyed celebrating.
It’s not just wrong, it’s ungrateful and shows up your ignorance. It’s no coincidence that the likes of you offer no evidence and just ooze out to make your comments right after a defeat
You couldn’t just compliment DOC, no?
Five, that’s five years older than Ryan, and gets contract renewed.
Second rows have the longest shelf life of any position, something worth considering when centrally contracting players.
@Phil O’ Meara: Taking Ryan out of the equation for a moment, 2nd row is a workrate position. A locks ability to get around the pitch and work harder than any other player is paramount. This is affected by age. Although second rows regularly play into their mid to late thirties, very few do so at international level.
@Paul K Murphy: To clarify, and this is only my own theory, there are few locks who play at a world class standard beyond 34 years old because their legs go. Paul O’Connell, Simon Shaw on a Lions tour and Brad Thorn in 2011 are the only exceptions that come to mind in the last 15 years.
@Phil O’ Meara: the reason DO’C gets the contract so easily at 38 is he rarely if ever misses a game through injury, while Ryan has been out for whole swathes of time in recent years, barely making double figure appearances for Munster (in three seasons up to this season he averages 11 games a season/ or if you calculate mins played only 8 per season)…
With those sort of figures, even though this season he’s been largely fit. While he’s looking for maximum return and lengthy contract in his last few seasons, any club will be looking to minimise the risk.
I haven’t a clue about rugby but remember him on latelate I think a few years back giving his views on training techniques. Obviously worked to be playing a physical game at his age. Also a great comment on his game something like sticking his head between two arses and pushing. Funny lad. Fair play
Absolute gent on and off the pitch.
Awesome warrior who puts his body on the line for the us, the unwashed masses.
Taking Ryan out of the equation for a moment, 2nd row is a workrate position. A locks ability to get around the pitch and work harder than any other player is paramount. This is affected by age. Although second rows regularly play into their mid to late thirties, very few do so at international level.
He has a lovely arse