As we approach the Six Nations, question marks are beginning to grow about Peter O'Mahony's future at Munster.
The 35-year-old back row has been on a central IRFU contract since 2013, with his latest one-year extension covering last year's World Cup and the end of this season with Munster and Ireland.
However, O'Mahony is yet to sign a new deal and, after an impressive return to action in Munster's scintillating away win against Toulon on Saturday, the province's fans will be hoping that they can hold on to the Corkman.
Reports this week, however, suggest that the flanker could be set to move overseas should his contract with Munster not be renewed.
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Move abroad could be on the cards for Peter O'Mahony
The Irish Times reported on Monday that multiple French clubs have made approaches for Peter O'Mahony over the past 12 years, cognizant of the fact that his current contract with Munster and the IRFU will run down at the end of this season.
The IRFU's policy of only selecting men's 15s players from the four provinces would effectively end O'Mahony's international career should such a move come to fruition.
14 October 2023; Ireland players, from left, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O'Mahony and captain Jonathan Sexton stand for the national anthems before the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Though a veteran of the Irish setup, O'Mahony had previously been considered to be right in the mix to be named captain for the Six Nations when Andy Farrell names his squad on Wednesday afternoon. The fresh reports casting doubt on his future in Ireland may cast even further doubt on whether Farrell will go with such an experienced option to replace Johnny Sexton.
Earlier this season O'Mahony stepped back from captaining Munster, with some speculating that may have been a move taken with an eye to taking over the Ireland captaincy. His successor as captain has yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's victory over Toulon was only O'Mahony's second game this season for the province since returning from the Rugby World Cup, where he started each of Ireland's five games. He won his 100th cap for his country in the final pool stage game against Scotland.
Though Munster are riddled with injury issues this season, the plethora of young talent coming through in the back row may give a hint as to why there has yet to be any decision made on the future of Peter O'Mahony.
Losing O'Mahony, Sexton, and Keith Earls in the space of 12 months would mark the end of an era for Irish rugby - but it now seems like a distinct possibility.
O'Mahony is expected to start for Munster in their final Champions Cup pool game against Northampton on Saturday night. Kick-off at Thomond Park is at 5:30 pm.
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