'An opportunity I could not turn down' - Peter O'Mahony pens new one-year Munster deal

NOT DONE YET: Munster's Peter O'Mahony. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho
Peter O'Mahony has penned a new one-year contract to extend his stay at Munster until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
While speculation around Ireland captain O'Mahony has been rife in recent months, news of a contract extension conveyed in a joint statement from Munster and the IRFU brings an end to doubts around the veteran flanker's immediate future.
Cork native O'Mahony led Ireland to a second successive Six Nations title last month after replacing Johnny Sexton as captain following the out-half's retirement.
The 34-year-old was named Munster captain in 2013 and was the province's longest-serving skipper of the professional era, stepping down from the role after over 10 years in November.
Soon after the contract announcement was made public on Friday morning, O'Mahony noted the opportunity to prolong his career in red and green was one he could not turn down.
"After plenty of thought, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to sign on for one more year with Munster and the IRFU," he wrote in a post on his Instagram page.

"It’s been a decision I’ve had to make with my coaches and more importantly, my family and I feel it’s the right thing for me to do. I feel there’s more left in me to give.
"It’s not every day a young man who grows up following two teams, where he was brought up and shaped by, gets the chance to play for both as long as I have and to be given the opportunity to play for another year isn’t an opportunity I could turn down."
The back-row continued: "All I have ever tried to do is my best for my province and country and that’s what I’ll continue to do over the remainder of this season and next.
"Who knows what lies ahead, but I’ve had nothing but great years and I will endeavour to make this last chapter of my playing career the best of all."
He has made 291 professional rugby appearances, including 182 for Munster, 105 for Ireland and four for the British & Irish Lions, leading the tourists in the first Test against the All Blacks in June 2017.
The Cork Constitution club man and former PBC student follows in the footsteps of fellow Lions captain Conor Murray, who also signed a one-year contract extension with the province at the start of the month.