Peter O'Mahony has announced his likely retirement ahead of All Blacks clash
Rugby NewsMonday, 04 November 2024 at 20:24
IIreland’s back-row legend Peter O'Mahony has rejoined Andy Farrell’s squad in preparation for Friday night’s much-anticipated Test against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.
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A Comeback for Munster’s Iron Man
The Munster flanker, known for his grit, had only clocked 22 minutes in the United Rugby Championship this season due to a hamstring injury. But last Saturday, O’Mahony was back on the field, playing the first half in Munster's showdown with an All Blacks XV.
New Captain in Town, but O'Mahony Brings the Wisdom
For these autumn internationals, Caelan Doris has taken up the captain's armband from O’Mahony. But the seasoned vet is adding his trademark intensity and experience to the team, having flown out to join Ireland’s warm-weather camp in Portugal on Sunday.
Coach Goodman Backs the Veteran
Assistant coach Andrew Goodman is delighted to see O'Mahony back in the mix: “Pete's been out for a while, but seeing him complete that 40 minutes with energy was great,” he said. “He’s already watched footage with the squad this morning. He’s ready to go if called upon.”
The Final Chapter Looms?
O'Mahony has hinted that his latest one-year contract with Munster may mark the end of his pro rugby journey, though left the door open to potentially move abroad..
"This is my last contract playing professional rugby anywhere, well, not anywhere but this is my last one and it means I can really enjoy it now," said O'Mahony after signing the new one-year deal in June.
"I can plan and have last games, you know, last games at Christmas, and at Thomond Park.
“I certainly have no interest in one of these long goodbyes but I can tick things off in my head as I go this season,"
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Johnny Sexton’s Long List of Enemy’s: From All Black Antics to Ex-England Stars
Ireland’s former legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton is known for his competitive fire both on and off the field. Over the years, this intensity has led to several high-profile rivalries, disagreements, and run-ins with other players, coaches, and referees.
Here’s a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.
Rieko Ioane
Sexton’s rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland’s quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.
The interaction didn’t sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane’s behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks' “no d***heads” policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide
"After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says 'don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].' So much for the All Blacks’ famous “no [expletive]” policy," Sexton claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.
"So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive]."
Over the course of his long career, Sexton's temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.
"It doesn't look great, me having a go at one of them just after we've lost," Sexton says. "But I can’t be expected to ignore that."
Finn Russell
Finn Russell, known for his creative and unorthodox style, stands in sharp contrast to Sexton’s more structured and disciplined approach. Sexton has reportedly called Russell “flashy” and inconsistent, suggesting that he values flair over reliability.
This difference in playing philosophy has fuelled tension between the two fly-halves, with Sexton critical of Russell’s approach to high-stakes situations.
Finn Russell, Captain of Scotland Rugby during the Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and Scotland at Principality Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Jaco Peyper
The tension between Sexton and referee Jaco Peyper escalated dramatically after the 2023 Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle. Despite being injured and sidelined, Sexton confronted Peyper post-match, allegedly calling his officiating a “f***ing disgrace.”
Peyper described the interaction as “aggressive,” which led to a three-match ban for Sexton. This incident remained a talking point as Sexton prepared for the World Cup, where he continued to express frustration over Peyper’s decisions
Referee, Jaco Peyper watches the TMO for a potential shoulder charge during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Danny Cipriani
Sexton’s professional approach to rugby contrasts starkly with Danny Cipriani’s reputation for being more laid-back. Sexton reportedly found Cipriani’s casual attitude frustrating, especially in training and preparation.
Cipriani’s relaxed style and off-field antics clashed with Sexton’s high standards, leaving the Irishman less than impressed with Cipriani’s professionalism
Warren Gatland
Sexton’s exclusion from the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, led by coach Warren Gatland, has remained a point of contention. Sexton was overlooked in favor of other fly-halves, including Finn Russell, despite being widely regarded as one of the best in Europe.
The decision left Sexton feeling frustrated with Gatland’s coaching choices, which he viewed as an oversight of his experience and consistency
Warren Gatland, Head Coach of Wales during the Qatar Airways Cup match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium in London on 22 June 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
“We’d never had a very close relationship," he revealed in the book. "But I was convinced he would bring me, based on the fact that we had been successful on previous tours. Gatland has always said that Six Nations form was his main selection guide and I had finished the Six Nations strongly. Our performance in the final game, when we gave England a 32–18 spanking in the Aviva, was a turning point for the team.
“I’d set a few personal targets to achieve before the end of my contract: to reach 100 caps, to captain Ireland to a grand slam and Leinster to another double. I also craved a third Lions tour. There’s an exclusive club of players who have played in three or more Test series for the Lions and I desperately wanted to be in it.
“Competition was tight, I’ll admit," Sexton added. "I expected that Gats would go with Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, players who had delivered for him before. Quality players and proven winners. Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me. I reckoned that if Gats chose three out-halves and if he was true to his ideals, I was in.”
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