Paul O'Connell: Peter O'Mahony faces battle to retain Ireland spot

"He’s going to face some stiff competition from some of the guys that are coming through now," O’Connell told the Irish Examiner.

STIFF COMPETITION: Paul O’Connell is hoping Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony can get the most out of potentially his final season as a player. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Paul O’Connell is hoping Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony can get the most out of potentially his final season as a player having signed a one-year contract extension for 2024-25, but warned the Test centurion he faces a battle to retain the green number six jersey.

The 35-year-old flanker put pen to paper on a new Munster contract, announced on April 12, ending speculation over his future playing intentions beyond his current IRFU central contract which comes to an end this summer.