PETER O’MAHONY has signed a new contract that keeps him with Munster and the IRFU for one more year.
The Ireland captain had been subject to plenty of speculation that his lengthy career would come to an end this year.
O’Mahony has made 182 appearances for Munster, along with 105 for Ireland and four for the British and Irish Lions.
The 34-year-old was named Ireland skipper for this year’s Six Nations after Johnny Sexton hung up his boots last year.
An emotional reaction to Ireland’s Call during the side’s final match of the campaign led to fans believing O’Mahony was going to be joining Sexton in retirement.
The Munster icon was also linked with a move to France this summer if his contract had come to an end.
However, he has followed in another teammate’s footsteps as Conor Murray also put pen to paper on a new contract with the Reds recently.
O’Mahony joined Munster’s Academy in 2008 and made his debut away to Ulster as a 21-year-old in 2010.
He won his first league title with Munster in 2011 and in 2012 made his Ireland debut along with winning Munster’s Young Player of the Year award.
O’Mahony became Munster’s captain in 2013 and served as skipper until last year.
Supporters were thrilled to hear the news and flooded social media with praise for the rugby legend.
One fan wrote: “Great news. Great for the development of the younger guys to have him there. And do much still to give. This was a no brainer.”
Another commented: “This is great news to hear. Peter is such a great player and leader.”
A third added: “Màith thu Peter you know it makes sense, too young to be put to grass even though it’s so well maintained by yourself.”