O’Mahony: I’ve Always Enjoyed Captaincy Role

The Munster forwards gathered in Limerick on Bank Holiday Monday for their session, while the backs were in Cork and their numbers were boosted by returning Ireland internationals and Lions, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo.

The province’s remaining Lion, Paul O’Connell, is currently on his honeymoon and is due back at a later date.

The players trained in their respective centres today with a number of players in line to attend the Munster Rugby Talent Camp in Rockwell tomorrow afternoon.

Peter O’Mahony met with press in his first official capacity as Munster captain and spoke of his eagerness to get stuck in from the off when the new season begins, and highlighted the positive attitude amongst the squad.

Commenting on the captaincy, the young back rower, who skippered Ireland during their recent summer tour, said: “Some people have different opinions on this, they feel they’re a bit pigeon-holed. But I’ve always enjoyed the role, the responsibility, even dressing room stuff.

“I like to be able to express myself and not to have an issue – should I be saying this or not saying this…even from a young age, I’m not going to say I was a born leader, but I’ve always enjoyed the role.

“I wouldn’t be screeching and roaring all the time. There is a time and a place to do it. I think that part of the game is not gone, but there is a time and a place for it.

“Guys are so professional these days. They have their own ways of getting up for games and that kind of thing. There are plenty of guys in this dressing room that are well able to speak up.

“Paulie (Paul O’Connell) will be a huge figure for us this year – as he is every year – and to be able to have someone like that to chat to and bounce things off again is invaluable.”

The 23-year-old added: “I’m going to have to feel my way into it over the next few weeks and months. It’s going to be a big challenge and will lead to probably more pressure than usual. But I have plenty of fellas around me who can give me a hand if I need it.”

On the injury front, Stephen Archer (wrist) has made a return to full training while Keith Earls is taking part in limited rugby action.

Felix Jones (shoulder) and Luke O’Dea are continuing to rehab their respective injuries with O’Dea wearing a wrist splint.