“He’s a family man, an incredible friend, incredible team-mate, but most importantly an incredible friend.”
The IRFU could not have eased Peter O’Mahony back into press duties any better.
Returning to the Ireland squad after the three-game ban he got for a reckless clear-out on Wales prop Tomas Francis, 13 minutes into his latest ninth Six Nations campaign, most other days would have seen him asked seven different ways about the incident.
This was not most days.
This summer will see CJ Stander retire from all forms of rugby and head back to South Africa, where his wife and daughter already are, as well as his wider family. It was an announcement that shocked the Ireland squad on Monday, and O’Mahony did his best to equate what his teammate has meant to him.
“He explained his reasons and they’re very valid ones, very noble ones in my opinion. Everyone would respect his decision. The man has given an incredible amount to Ireland, Munster as well and Limerick.”
Such was the scene-stealing news of Stander’s impending retirement that O’Mahony only faced a handful of occasions about his red card, ban and facing England at the Aviva Stadium, on Saturday.
“It’s been hard,” the Cork native admitted.
“Obviously, it’s different when you’re injured, you’re on a different buzz. When you’re fit and healthy and raring to go, but can’t play it’s a bit tougher.
“I spent a couple of great weeks with Munster, training with the A team and stuff, helping the seniors prepare for their games. Back here last week to help the lads as best as possible, which I enjoyed. But I’m not making any bones about it, I’m looking forward to getting back playing.”
It was back to CJ Stander questions again, and O’Mahony spoke with warmth and consideration before he was asked how tough it will be to end England’s four-game winning streak over Ireland without a sold-out Lansdowne Road crowd.
The final question came via the Press Association, as an English reporter touched on… the red card. “Do you now feel you owe the team a performance, to atone [for the red card] or to make amends?”
O’Mahony was taking on some fluids as the question was asked, but there was still a long pause as he considered the question before launching into a reasoned reply.
Credit: Videos on the Net (VOTN)“Look,” Peter O’Mahony began.
“When it comes to the breakdown and when it comes to international rugby, you’ve got to be incredibly urgent, you’ve got to be incredibly accurate and you’ve got to bring physicality. And these incidents happen. It’s a very physical game.
“I’ve always played hard. I’ve always played fairly, in my opinion, and, look, I was 100% wrong in the incident and with what happened, but I think the guys – my teammates – know better than anyone that I was acting with the best intentions for the team, that day. And, unfortunately, that’s what happened.
“I don’t think they’d be looking to me to put in any different performance than I go around and do every other week, playing for Ireland. That would be unjust to the jersey. I try, every time, to play as best as I can. I think, more importantly than anyone, the lads around me know that.”
O’Mahony is expected to return to the Ireland match-day squad for Saturday’s game against England. With James Ryan now ruled out, Tadhg Beirne may revert to the second row with O’Mahony reclaiming the No.6 jersey.
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