Former Eire captain Peter O’Mahony has stated he needed to retire earlier than falling out of the nationwide choice reckoning.
The Munster again row has began two of Eire’s three video games on this yr’s Six Nations however, together with fellow long-serving gamers Cian Healy and Conor Murray, confirmed on Thursday that he would step away from the facet on the finish of this championship.
The 35-year-old was named Eire skipper final yr however was succeeded within the position by Caelan Doris in November. There had been hypothesis that the 2024 Six Nations can be O’Mahony’s swansong however finally, he determined to play on for one more yr.
Whereas some critics final season opined his standing as captain was contributing to his continued choice, he has remained a key determine in current weeks regardless of others formally main the workforce.
“Whether or not I am picked or not over the subsequent variety of weeks, I’ve skilled rather well on this marketing campaign. I’ve competed, I’ve pushed guys, guys have pushed me, I have never been misplaced in our coaching,” he stated.
“That was the take a look at for me – are you going to be adequate subsequent yr to compete with these guys? If that was the final one final week, it was the precise name.
“I do not need to get to the purpose the place I am perhaps not chosen or not picked for a squad. I did not need that to occur.”
