MR RIGHT... NOW
Even at 34, Peter O’Mahony’s standing in the game means he’s the ideal skipper for Ireland
AFTER months of speculation, last Wednesday finally brought clarity on the intriguing issue of the Ireland captaincy. It had been known for almost a year that the now-retired Johnny Sexton would call time on his playing career whenever Ireland’s World Cup bid came to an end. That date ended up being October 14.
Ireland would be without a captain for the next three months, but the race to replace Sexton had started a long time before.
James Ryan, Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan and Garry Ringrose had all been touted as potential torchcarriers ahead of the journey to Australia in 2027. All four should still be in their pomp when togging out for another assault at the Webb Ellis Cup.
Instead, the veteran Peter O’Mahony – despite an ongoing contract battle – will inherit the ultimate honour in Irish rugby.
At 34, he already has over a decade of leading Munster into battle – a reign which culminated with URC title glory last summer.
He gave up the armband atMunster soon after. Perhaps he knew that a greater duty was imminent.
No pick was ever going to be immune to scrutiny. There was an argument to be made for a number of Irish players.
Critics of O’Mahony’s appointment could point to his age. Is it probable that he will be packing down at 38 in Australia? It is unlikely.
But people suggested the same about Sexton, a player who was the same age as O’Mahony when taking up the captaincy after Rory Best had hung up his boots.
Could this show of faith block the pathway for those next in line? As O’Mahony potentially ages out of selection, Farrell cannot be expected to consistently drop his captain.
Make no mistake, the beloved Munster man has been Ireland’s go-to blindside flanker on merit. He has been excellent since forcing his way into Farrell’s plans after being a fringe player in the early days of his reign.
The Ireland head coach certainly sounded like he had no doubts about his choice.
‘He is a born leader and someone who has been an influential figure for Munster and Ireland for many years,’ said Farrell.
‘I am confident that the squad will continue to benefit from his leadership skills, both on and off the field. He is thoroughly deserving of this honour and I know that he will relish working closely with the wider leadership group and squad over the coming campaign.’
But what does this show of faith do for Ryan Baird? Now 24, the dynamic powerhouse is one of the most exciting young forwards in European rugby. His progression into the Irish XV feels overdue.
The same goes for Tom Ahern – a player many had expected to earn his maiden Six Nations call-up but instead finds himself consigned to the role of ‘training panellist’.
At 23, he is not as far along in terms of experience by comparison but he boasts a similarly massive potential to Baird.
The reality is that Farrell has never looked too far ahead.
He indicated this approach in his first real act as Ireland boss, backing Sexton as captain when the calls for James Ryan were deafening.
Yes, he gave Doris and Hugo Keenan their debuts. But neither of these appeared to be with development in mind. Both players were immediately the best men for the task.
O’Mahony, short-termism or not, is the most sensible man to lead as Ireland adapt to life without Sexton and his 118 caps of experience.
The only experienced alternative is Ulster skipper Iain Henderson, but with Joe McCarthy in pursuit, his position in the second-row is less assured.
Sexton’s endorsement of O’Mahony ahead of his 100th cap last summer gives further insight
‘THE REALITY IS FARRELL HAS NEVER LOOKED TOO FAR AHEAD’
into his selection this time round. ‘He’s the life and soul of the dressing room behind closed doors and it’s a privilege to play with him all the time,’ the former World Player of the Year stated.
One suspects that Farrell and Co view the Munster man the same way.
Did alleged short-termism land Ireland the World Cup or even an elusive semi-final? It did not.
A complete and utter overhaul spearheaded by Fabien Galthie in 2020 did not win the French a World Cup either, it is worth noting.
The process of ‘evolution not revolution’ has helped this Irish team reach new heights, marked by the Test series victory in New Zealand and Grand Slam success less than a year later. There is not a major nation that this Ireland regime has not beaten.
That process has served Farrell well so far and it is one that makes O’Mahony the right choice to lead this team going forward.