While the main discussion in the aftermath of Johnny Sexton's Ireland retirement has been around who will replace him as the starting no. 10, there is also a conversation to be had around who will succeed him as captain of the team.
The 38-year old was clearly the leader of this Irish group both on and off the pitch, meaning whoever steps in to replace will have huge shoes to fill.
There are a number of candidates for the role. James Ryan seems like an obvious choice, with the second row having often captained the team in Sexton's absence in recent times. Garry Ringrose is another option having been appointed as co-captain of Leinster alongside Ryan this season.
It has been expected that the next captain would be in place for the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle, which makes the appointment of one of the older players in the squad an unlikely prospect. However, some feel there would be plenty of logic in going down this route.
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Brian O'Driscoll makes case for ageing star to be Ireland captain
Considering he is now 34-years old and recently stepped aside as Munster captain, many people assumed that Peter O'Mahony would not be in the running to be the next Ireland skipper. After all, it seems unlikely that he will be in the team by the time the next World Cup rolls around.
In saying that, some feel that focussing too much on the World Cup when making this decision would be a mistake.
Speaking to The Times, Brian O'Driscoll suggested that O'Mahony would be an ideal fit as Ireland captain for the next two years before someone else could then step into the role for the tournament in Australia.
It’s important to view this four-year cycle as being two two-year blocks. The World Cup draw is at the end of 2025 so it’s all about getting the best possible seeding by then.
There are players who will be playing two years from now who won’t be playing at the next World Cup. But that doesn’t mean you throw them out.
Look at someone like Peter O’Mahony.
Given the position he plays, it’s a big ask to go to 2027. But you could probably see him going another two years. He’s someone who has been a big part of the leadership group.
You’re losing Johnny and you’re losing Earlsy [Keith Earls, who retired after this year’s World Cup] so it’s important to hold on to some of the existing leadership that has served the team so well.
This is an interesting suggestion. Putting too much focus on a World Cup four years ahead of the event could be a mistake, with good results needed over the next couple of years in order to ensure that Ireland go into the tournament as top seeds.
Peter O'Mahony certainly still has plenty to offer this Ireland team, even if 2027 may be a step too far for him.
It will be interesting to see what route Andy Farrell goes down over the next few weeks.
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