Peter O’Mahony steps down as Munster captain after ten-year stint

Jack O’Donoghue has been the regular player to step in for O’Mahony in recent years as captain but is not guaranteed a starting spot on the big days, while hooker Diarmuid Barron is among others who have only recently led the side.

Conor Murray, like O’Mahony is 34 at this stage, and has Craig Casey snapping at his heels while new guns like Jack Crowley surely need more time to establish themselves in the side before being burdened with such a role.

In that regard Rowntree may follow Leinster’s example and appoint a couple of joint captains with perhaps O’Donoghue and the likes of Tadhg Beirne taking on the role, while Gavin Coombes may also come into contention.

But it’s the end of an era for Munster with O’Mahony going out on a high leading them to their first silverware in 12 years, going back to 2011 when the Cork native skippered them on a temporary basis for the first time when he was just 21.

He took over the mantle full-time in 2013 when Rob Penney appointed him and since then Anthony Foley, Rassie Erasmus, Johann van Graan and Rowntree have kept faith in him.

O’Mahony has also captained Ireland and the Lions and while he will undoubtedly continue to have a huge influence in the dressing room, his departure from this role is disruptive in a squad very much in transformation.

O’Mahony, currently battling a shoulder injury, said captaining Munster was a huge honour, not least as he was following in the footsteps of heroes like Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell.

“I grew up watching and idolising the Munster team and in particular the people who were leading the team. Captaining Munster has been a dream come true for me,” he said.

“People like Mick Galwey, Jim Williams then on to the likes of ROG and Paul, who I had the privilege of playing with at the start of my career.

“I can remember the day I was asked to be captain like it was yesterday and discussing it with Paul to get his approval.

“From that day to this it’s been an utter privilege and has never been something I’ve taken for granted.

“However, having given a huge amount of thought to it, I think it is the right time to step back from the role to share my experiences and give the same guidance that I received when I took on the role. What an unbelievable honour it has been…and will always continue to be.”

Rowntree, who has had to deal with the retirements of Irish wingers Keith Earls and Andrew Conway since the start of the season, said that the 34-year old, who has made 178 appearances for Munster since his debut in 2010 against Ulster, had been an exemplary leader.

“You couldn’t pick a better leader than Pete and he has been a fantastic captain for this club. To lead Munster from such a young age and for so many years speaks volumes of his ability as a player on the pitch and a person off it,” he said.

“He commands huge respect and will still be a massive leader within the group. To have someone of Pete's experience on hand to help us with the succession process is invaluable.

"We have a strong leadership group within the squad and will confirm a new squad captain in due course,” said Rowntree.