MUNSTER coach Graham Rowntree will select a new captain “in due course” following the surprise call by Peter O’Mahony, 34, to relinquish the role after a ten-year spell, one which included leading the province to URC silverware in May.
Rowntree said: “We have a strong leadership group within the squad and will confirm a new squad captain in due course.”
In a tribute to O’Mahony, he said: “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 of Pete’s experience on hand to help us with the succession process is invaluable.”
On his long stint as skipper, O’Mahony commented: “It’s been an utter privilege and has never been something I’ve taken for granted.
“However, having given a huge amount of thought to it, I think 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.”
Tipped for the vacant role are Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes and Tadhg Beirne.
Munster face arch-rivals Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
