THERE is plenty of developments within Munster, with confirmation that former Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray are both to leave at the end of the current season.
The pair have been stalwarts for the club and Ireland.
O’Mahony is to retire, while Murray is set to depart for a new opportunity abroad.
Interim coach Ian Costelloe said of O’Mahony: “He made his Munster debut over 15 years ago and it’s 13 years ago this month that he made his Ireland debut.”
“The way he has adapted his game and stayed at the very top level for so many years is a testament not only to his playing ability but also his character to keep going and make the very most of himself.”
The news comes alongside this week’s announcement of Clayton McMillan as the club’s new head coach.
Meanwhile, a capacity 8,000 will attend Munster’s URC outing with Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park tonight (Friday, 7.35pm).
Two players have been released from Ireland camp as John Hodnett and Calvin Nash are named in the starting XV.
Munster: Ben O’Connor (Highfield/PBC); Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Crescent College Comp.), Tom Farrell (Coolmine/Castleknock College), Alex Nankivell (Christchurch Boys High School), Shay McCarthy (Richmond/St Munchin’s College); Billy Burns (Beechen Cliff), Ethan Coughlan (Ennis); Josh Wycherley (Bantry Bay/Cistercian College Roscrea), Niall Scannell, captain (PBC), John Ryan (Muskerry /CBC); Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian/Castletroy College), Fineen Wycherley (Bantry Bay Cistercian College Roscrea); Tom Ahern (Youghal/Dungarvan/Waterpark), John Hodnett (Clonakilty), Brian Gleeson (Thurles/Rockwell College).
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron (Cashel/Rockwell College), Mark Donnelly (Midleton), Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution), Ruadhán Quinn (Ballina-Killaloe), Alex Kendellen (PBC), Paddy Patterson (Blackrock College), Tony Butler (Ennis), Seán O’Brien (Mullingar).
