Munster confirm Tadhg Beirne as captain for new season

Munster have confirmed Tadhg Beirne as their new captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The Ireland international lock has been given the captaincy on a permanent basis, having filled in as skipper for the majority of his 17 games last team, following Peter O'Mahony’s decision to step down from the job last November. O’Mahony had been Munster captain for more than ten years, taking over from Doug Howlett in the summer of 2013.

Beirne joined Munster in the summer of 2018 after a hugely successful spell at the Scarlets where he won a Pro12 title.

Injuries in his first few seasons have limited Beirne to 76 appearances for the province, but 31 of those have come in the last two seasons, during which time he’s become one of Graham Rowntree’s key leaders.

"It’s a huge honour to be named as captain of Munster Rugby and to lead a great group of players into the new season," the 32-year-old said, after joining O’Mahony, Howlett, Paul O’Connell, Anthony Foley, Jim Williams, Mick Galwey and Pat Murray as Munster’s professional club captains.

"I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.

"Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.

"I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.

"We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead."

While Beirne has been appointed permanent captain, he’s not due to be involved in the opening two games of the season, as he continues his pre-season training after featuring in both of