Tadhg Beirne named as full-time Munster captain

Ireland and Munster second-row Tadhg Beirne has been named as the full-time captain for the province ahead of the new season.

Beirne was captain Munster for most of last season after Peter O'Mahony stepped down as captain last November.

Beirne has scored eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster since joining from Welsh side Scarlets in 2018, and was part of the side which won the URC in 2023.

The 32-year-old also has 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland, and was part of the 2023 Grand Slam winning side, and also part of the squad that won the Six Nations this year.

He was also part of the 2021  British & Irish Lions side in South Africa, where he scored three tries in five appearances. Beirne is likely to tour with the side to Australia next summer.

Following the announcement, Beirne said: “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.

“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.”

Graham Rowntree said: “Tadhg is a world-class player who always leads by example. He is the right man to lead Munster into the new season.

“A player of his calibre commands respect and he has grown into a key leader for us since coming here in 2018.

“As a 52-cap Ireland international and British & Irish