Munster fans were given a shock on Wednesday morning as news broke that Peter O'Mahony had turned down a contract offer from the IRFU and would be exploring options in England and France.
The news that CJ Stander also has a decision to make on an expiring deal was also a blow, but were the province to lose someone like O'Mahony, who anyone with any sort of clue about Irish provincial rugby knows is more than just a player at Munster, would be truly tough to take.
There is still time for an agreement to be reached, and speaking on Off The Ball on Wednesday night Donncha O'Callaghan stressed his desire for that conclusion to be reached, meaning the O'Mahony could stay and continue to lead Munster.
The Worcester Warriors lock then did an excellent job of summing up why O'Mahony is indispensable to his province.
I think with certain players, and especially Pete for me, he is - it's wrong to call him a marquee player with Munster, he is from the eek of the Paulies, the Axels, he is a special guy within the environment.
I think it's massively important, not only to Irish rugby but Munster rugby, even small things like for young boys around Cork to see a local hero walking around the place. Someone to aspire to be like.
I just think he's such a massive presence around the place that he's important, and he's really important at the moment with the transition of coaches, so personally I would if it got put to bed as soon as possible.
I think the guy would be reasonable, he wants his market value, I think he's earned that, and that should be respected and paid upon him.
That last line is a sentiment that all Munster fans would agree with. The man would simply not demand more than what is fair, and has done more than enough to earn his market value both on and off the pitch.
O'Callaghan then - in vintage fashion - got a laugh as he revealed his personal motives for Pete staying at Munster.
For me, it's a no-brainer. Peter O'Mahony playing for Munster, just boom, just make it happen. He's the heartbeat of the place at the moment and it's important we keep that.
And on a personal note, he's the man who drops logs down to my house since I've moved to England, so they'll be freezing at home.
That is the type of guy he is though. He'll bring logs down to your gaff to keep the fire lit, we'd be surprised if he's not doing it for half of Co.Cork.
O'Callaghan also made the point that staying in Ireland on the national contract would be the best solution for O'Mahony too, as while he would earn a lot more money in England or France, the club that invests so much money in him will want to see him on the pitch as often as possible, which would not afford him the same type of protection that he would get at Munster around international games.
It's an uncomfortable situation, as all parties want to keep O'Mahony at Munster, and yet, we face a nervous wait.
You can listen to Donncha O'Callaghan on Off The Ball in full over on OffTheBall.com.
