PETER’S POISED TO PUT PEN TO PAPER
He’ll make his call.. once party stops!
BY DEREK FOLEY
MUNSTER expect to tie up Peter O’mahony’s future with a formal announcement next week.
It is thought there is a one year-deal on offer for the Ireland captain.
“Of course we are involved in discussions around signing or keeping him,” says Munster boss Graham Rowntree
.“Peter has said publicly he was going to have this week to talk to his family.
“Sober up by the look of it, from the partying – which is appropriate, don’t get me wrong!
“I think he was going to have a chat with his family this weekend, we are expecting to announce next week as to what he wants to do.”
O’mahony, says Rowntree (inset), was simply outstanding in the Six Nations.
“Of course I’m proud of him and whether I was allowed to be or not I would be proud of him – he is our warrior.
“I actually thought his game at the weekend was his best in the tournament.
“I was mightily proud of all of our players for their contributions whatever they might have been whether it was 10 minutes from
Conor Murray coming on steadying the ship or Jack Crowley who played every minute.
“Look at the composure Jack has shown and he is not the finished article by any means and I like how Andy Farrell has said about how they have to keep him on track so to speak and you look at the gamechanging, game-winning involvements of Tadhg Beirne and Pete’s leadership.
“That was a particularly tough game last week following the disappointment of the week before and they all did well.” Rowntree also believes new signing Billy Burns can make a huge impact and that he will also push Crowley to new heights.
Burns, capped seven times by Ireland, has been snapped up by Munster following the decision by Joey Carbery, who has 37 Irish appearances, to move to Bèglesbordeaux this summer.
Burns has been in Belfast for the past six seasons and Rowntree reckons he is set to play a big role for Munster.
“We need someone with a bit of experience and he’s at a crossroads in his career,” said Rowntree. “He’s 29 and it’s a new challenge for him.
“He likes how we’re playing the game and I think he’s going to fit in really well.
“He’s been around, played international rugby, played at the highest end and been in some big games with Ulster.
“I’m excited by it actually. He’s going to be great and particularly good for helping the young guys come through.
“It’s not just a bridge from the youth to the older players. I want him to challenge Jack.
“I think he’ll be a great acquisition for us.”
Rowntree has also signed winger Diarmuid Kilgallen from Connacht, while new contract extensions were announced for 35-year old prop John Ryan and lock Cian Hurley.