O’Mahony prefers vocal Leavy as friend than foe

Peter O’Mahony hates playing against him when Munster face old rivals Leinster but that is what makes Dan Leavy such a delight to play alongside when the flankers combine in the green jersey of Ireland.

Sean O’Brien may be looming large for the final episode of Ireland’s Six Nations story next week, the Lions Test starter captaining Leinster at Scarlets last night in his first game back since a hip injury sustained against Exeter on December 16, yet Leavy’s form as the current incumbent of the No7 shirt does not make the return of the Tullow Tank a foregone conclusion.

O’Mahony’s endorsement of the 23-year-old Leavy, who has grabbed his chance with gusto since replacing the injured Josh van der Flier in the first half of the opening game against France, stems from having to face his interprovincial rival.