Peter O’Mahony admits he’s taking nothing for granted as he hopes to continue his Ireland career under Joe Schmidt in the forthcoming season.
The 23-year-old skippered Ireland during their summer tour of North America, leading the side to victories over both the USA and Canada.
In doing so, the flanker became the youngest captain of his country since Brian O’Driscoll first led Ireland at the same age.
For that tour, Les Kiss was in interim charge but ex-Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt has now taken the reins and while O’Mahony is desperate to be involved, he knows he will have to prove his form.
“Summer was a good tour, a good experience for me. Obviously it makes life easier when you’re winning,” said O’Mahony, who started all five of Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations matches this year.
“But it’s another good experience that I have under my belt and one I’ll be looking back on over the next couple of weeks when I do get a run out as captain of Munster.
“Obviously looking back on the guys who have done the job, it’s a big role and there’s a bit more pressure there. But it’s something that I thrive on and I’m looking forward to it, big time.
“I’d love to do a bit of work with Joe. His credentials speak for themselves, where he’s come from Clermont and Leinster.
“He’s obviously a top-class coach and I’ll be looking forward to getting a bit of work done under him hopefully.”
