Statement: Peter O'Mahony steps down as captain with immediate effect

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O’Mahony first captained Munster in a competitive game on September 3, 2011 at the age of 21. It was just his 12th appearance for the province and he led the side for the opening five games of that season.

He took over the Munster captaincy on a permanent basis ahead of the 2013/14 season following the departure of Doug Howlett.

The 2022/23 season was O’Mahony’s 10th year as squad captain and ended with glory in Cape Town as he lifted the URC title with Keith Earls after a thrilling win over the Stormers.

Along with captaining Munster, he has also led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

Head Coach Graham Rowntree and the coaching team will select a new squad captain in due course.

Peter O’Mahony said: “Captaining Munster has been a dream come true for me.

“I grew up watching and idolising the Munster team and in particular the people who were leading the team.

“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.”

A veteran of four World Cups, Brian O’Driscoll made a name for himself on the World Stage for his unwavering consistency in defence and dazzling skills in attack.

O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player.

Wilkinson said: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

Renowned for his exceptional leadership and skill, McCaw led the team to two Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in the sport.

Wilkinson said: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No Rugby World cup team would be complete without him.”

Bakkies Botha made his World Cup debut in 2003, scoring three tries for South Africa.

His second Rugby World Cup appearance followed in 2007 where he played a pivotal role in the Springboks' charge to the sport's biggest prize.

Wilkinson said: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

Wilkinson wrote: “A guy that knew how to win, knew how to play the game. His body language suggested he didn’t really know how to fail or what mistakes were, what under performance was.”

One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences.

Jonah Lomu burst on to the scene at the 1995 with his eye catching performances and devastating runs, most recognisably against England in the 1995 tournament, where he steamrollered his way to 4 tries.

Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999, making him the top try scorer of the tournament.

Wilkinson wrote: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No toughest opponents list would be complete without him.”

There have been some unforgettable derby matches throughout rugby history, and we've laid down the challenge for you to name 20 of the best!

We've given you the name of the derby, or the trophy which the side's battle over. We've also been generous enough to give you the names of one of the competing sides, so all you have to do is name the other team that competes in the fixture.

You have five minutes to name the 20 teams, good luck!

Your time starts... now!