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 Ireland’s Tests in South Africa in the summer.
Munster head coach 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 Lion, he demands the best out of everyone and drives standards within the group.
"He is an extremely calm presence on and off the field and it was very impressive to see how he was able to perform at his usual high level while captaining the squad in a number of big games last season."
Meanwhile Stuart McCloskey, has signed a new two-year contract extension at Ulster, committing his future with his province until at least 2027.
McCloskey has been a stalwart for Ulster Rugby, and is in-line to hit his 200th appearance in the white jersey over the coming season.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years," said the Ireland centre. "I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.
"We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.
"I’m really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward."
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