Peter O’Mahony has taken over from Jonny Sexton as Ireland captain in Andy Farrell’s squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
Flanker O’Mahony, 34, succeeds Sexton after the ex-Leinster fly-half retired from all rugby following his country’s exit from the Rugby World Cup in October.
The ex-Munster captain, who stepped down as skipper of his province in November, has captained his country and the British and Irish Lions on several occasions before but has now secured the role on a permanent basis.
“Ever since I was a boy starting off in the game, I have always dreamed of captaining Ireland,” said O’Mahony.
“I have been asked to lead Ireland on a number of occasions previously, and each of those 10 matches were special days.
“To be now asked to captain Ireland ahead of the Six Nations is without doubt one of the proudest moments of my life and I would like to thank Andy for this show of faith in me.”
Head coach Farrell, who was last week confirmed as the Lions coach for their 2025 tour to Australia, has not named any uncapped players in his squad but has called in Oli Jager, Thomas Ahern and Sam Prendergast as ‘training panelists’.
Leinster’s Cian Healy, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Jordan Larmour, Ulster’s Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale, and Munster’s Calvin Nash all return to the squad after missing out on the World Cup.
“The forthcoming Guinness Six Nations presents an opportunity for us to grow and develop,” said Farrell.
“The Six Nations is one of the biggest stages in world rugby and this year’s competition will be keenly fought.
“I am pleased with the quality of performances by the extended group over the last number of weeks and believe that the squad is in good shape.
“It doesn’t get much tougher than France away in the opening weekend, but it is a challenge that we will approach in a positive frame of mind.”
With Sexton’s retirement, Jack Crowley is expected to take ownership of Ireland’s fly-half position while Byrne and Frawley provide cover. That trio have just 12 caps between them, with Sexton’s formerly typical back-up Ross Byrne out of the squad due to injury.
Forwards Dave Kilcoyne and Rob Herring and backs Mack Hansen and Jimmy O’Brien are also sidelined.
Ireland squad
Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster, captain), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).
Training panellists: Oli Jager (Munster), Thomas Ahern (Munster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster).
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