Earlier this year, Peter O'Mahony captained Ireland to the Six Nations title during his first campaign as captain.
O'Mahony's future in the game had been uncertain throughout early 2024, and reports circulated ahead of the final Six Nations game against Scotland that O'Mahony would retire at the end of the season.
In the end, O'Mahony signed up for one more season with Munster and Ireland.
The Munster man is undoubtedly one of Ireland's greatest ever servants and since making his debut against Italy in 2012, he has gone on to earn 105 caps and be a key ingredient to the country's most successful side.
As this year's Six Nations campaign came to a close, O'Mahony's future in a green jersey was questioned by some. Ryan Baird of Leinster was making an incredible impact off the bench for Ireland.
Meanwhile, O'Mahony's performance across the competition was mixed by his own high standards. His yellow card in the second half of the England defeat was pivotal in England's victory.
The flanker turns 35 in September, and despite renewing his contract at Munster for a 16th season, Ireland's options at back-row continue to expand.
While Peter O'Mahony himself has not mentioned stepping away from the international fold just yet, it certainly will be interesting to see the options Ireland take to South Africa for this summer's Test series.
O'Connell claims Peter O'Mahony faces 'competition' to keep Ireland spot
After playing with Peter O'Mahony at provincial and international level for a number of years, and now working as forwards coach with Ireland, Paul O'Connell knows the Ireland captain better than anyone.
15 March 2014; Ireland's Paul O'Connell, left, and Peter O'Mahony following their victory. RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship 2014, France v Ireland. Stade De France, Saint Denis, Paris, France. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
The pair share many similarities on the pitch, with their undevoted love to Irish rugby and leadership skills the most obvious.
O'Connell spoke to Simon Lewis Irish Examiner at an Aldi media event this week about the Ireland captain's contract renewal and his future in a green jersey.
It’s fantastic...
It’s funny, it’s a really competitive position now, number six. Obviously Ryan Baird has established him with Leinster over the last few months. Tom Ahern down in Munster has done a good job as well. Cian Prendergast up in Connacht has been doing well and you have Nick Timoney who can play there up in Ulster.
So it’s actually a really competitive position. It’s fantastic he’s signed on for another year and he’s going to face some stiff competition from some of the guys that are coming through now.
While some might find O'Connell's comments about Peter O'Mahony intriguing, considering his current position in the current international set up, it's refreshing to hear the coaching staff focused on the future and the talent coming through.
Andy Farrell will temporarily step away from his position as head coach for next season's Six Nations campaign as he prepares for the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.
Before that, he will still spend two international windows with the squad. In July, he will bring Ireland to South Africa for a Summer Test Series, and in November he will take charge of the side for a stacked Autumn International Series against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.
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