PeterO'Mahony

Back row Peter O’Mahony is getting his first taste of a British & Irish Lions Tour after his fine recent form for both Ireland and Munster caught the eye of Warren Gatland.

A man-of-the-match display in Dublin as Ireland downed England in the 2017 RBS 6 Nations certainly turned heads and the flanker has also captained his province to the European Champions Cup semi-finals this season.

Formerly captain of the Ireland Under-18 and Under-20 sides, O’Mahony quickly established establish himself as an integral part of the senior international side following his debut in February 2012.

Able to play across the back row, Cork-born O’Mahony played in all five of Ireland’s matches in the following RBS 6 Nations tournament in 2013 and was made captain for the tour to North America after Rory Best was called up to the 2013 Lions Tour.

He can now lay claim to being a two-time RBS 6 Nations winner after playing in the championship-winning Ireland sides in 2014 and 2015 – including starting every game of the latter.

A knee ligament injury suffered in the Pool stage game against France not only brought a premature end to O’Mahony’s 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign but saw him spend a year on the sidelines.

But he made his return with Munster in September 2016, coming on as a substitute against Zebre – a welcome sight for fans of both his club and country.

O’Mahony impressed for his club, gradually returning to the international scene through his role as an impact sub before his impressive showing as Ireland denied England the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in March 2017.

On that occasion he came into the starting lineup at the last minute due to injury to Jamie Heaslip, and his all-round display, including a crucial late lineout steal, were pivotal to the victory.

The 27-year-old made his Munster debut in January 2010 and won the domestic title in the 2010-2011 season.

He was named as the club’s new captain in July 2013, replacing the retiring Doug Howlett and has continued to lead by example ever since.