There was quite the sense of shock when Peter O'Mahony announced that he would be stepping aside as Munster captain last month.
The 34-year old had held the position for a decade and there had been no indication that his tenure was about to come to an end. However, he said he was stepping aside in order to share the knowledge he picked up during his time in the role with the next generation.
There have been some theories as to why he made this decision, including speculation about a possible move abroad. In any case, Munster will now have to appoint a new captain.
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Bernard Jackman sees obvious candidate to be next Munster captain
There are a few possible contenders for the role in Graham Rowntree's squad, including some more outside the box options such as Craig Casey.
In saying that, Bernard Jackman sees one obvious candidate.
Speaking on RTÉ's Sunday Sport, the former Ireland hooker said that Tadhg Beirne should be the clear choice to be the next Munster captain.
Tadhg Beirne. He's a quiet guy but the way he plays, the level of experience he has in the game, the way he’s gone to Munster and bought into it and been a really consistent performer.
He’s always going to be in the team, first of all. I’ve heard people say give it to Jack Crowley and I can see the value of that, you'd have someone there for the next seven, right, nine years and I think the halfbacks are doing a cracking job in their own right.
I’d give it to Beirne – and maybe I’m biased here – but I always think a Munster captain should be a forward.
Beirne is all action.
You certainly could not argue against the logic.
Tadhg Beirne is one of the very best players in the world in his position and brings a huge amount of experience to the table. He is also a real leader on the pitch, something that is an important part of captaining a side at the highest level.
He would certainly be a fine choice for Munster.
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