Peter O'Mahony has announced his likely retirement ahead of All Blacks clash

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IIreland's back-row legend Peter O’Mahony has rejoined Andy Farrell's squad in preparation for Friday night's much-anticipated Test against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.

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A Comeback for Munster's Iron Man

The Munster flanker, known for his grit, had only clocked 22 minutes in the United Rugby Championship this season due to a hamstring injury. But last Saturday, O'Mahony was back on the field, playing the first half in Munster’s showdown with an All Blacks XV.

New Captain in Town, but O’Mahony Brings the Wisdom

For these autumn internationals, Caelan Doris has taken up the captain’s armband from O'Mahony. But the seasoned vet is adding his trademark intensity and experience to the team, having flown out to join Ireland's warm-weather camp in Portugal on Sunday.

Coach Goodman Backs the Veteran

Assistant coach Andrew Goodman is delighted to see O’Mahony back in the mix: "Pete’s been out for a while, but seeing him complete that 40 minutes with energy was great," he said. "He's already watched footage with the squad this morning. He's ready to go if called upon."

The Final Chapter Looms?

O’Mahony has hinted that his latest one-year contract with Munster may mark the end of his pro rugby journey, though left the door open to potentially move abroad..

“This is my last contract playing professional rugby anywhere, well, not anywhere but this is my last one and it means I can really enjoy it now,” said O’Mahony after signing the new one-year deal in June.

“I can plan and have last games, you know, last games at Christmas, and at Thomond Park.

"I certainly have no interest in one of these long goodbyes but I can tick things off in my head as I go this season,”

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Johnny Sexton's Long List of Enemy's: From All Black Antics to Ex-England Stars

Ireland's former legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton is known for his competitive fire both on and off the field. Over the years, this intensity has led to several high-profile rivalries, disagreements, and run-ins with other players, coaches, and referees.

Here's a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.

Rieko Ioane

Sexton's rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland's quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.

The interaction didn't sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane's behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks’ "no d***heads" policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide​

“After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says ‘don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].’ So much for the All Blacks' famous "no [expletive]" policy,” Sexton claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.

“So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive].”

Over the course of his long career, Sexton’s temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.

“It doesn’t look great, me having a go at one of them just after we’ve lost,” Sexton says. “But I can't be expected to ignore that.”

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