Peter O'Mahony could fill a leadership void while Scott Penny’s captaincy at Leinster shows promise
Scott Penny turned 24 with a modest 59 caps that feels a little low for a player of his quality. Photograph: Inpho/Tom Maher
I remember a friend pointing out to me that the moment I stepped away from rugby, the next match where a young fan watched Robbie Henshaw in the 12 jersey, whatever my legacy, it would start to fade from that point. These days it’s easier to tag me as a children’s book writer than it is for anything I did on a rugby pitch.
There is a leadership gap in an Irish context that I think O’Mahony could help bridge and in a perfect scenario provide him with a platform to bow out from the game in a befitting manner. James Ryan has deputised well when asked, however, it feels like he doesn’t need the extra responsibility of being made captain.
The captaincy sat easy with him over the weekend where Leinster found it tough to navigate a physical Edinburgh team that in all honesty should have left with more than they did. Penny was calm and questioned South African referee Marius van der Westhuizen at key junctures in the game, enough to challenge without remonstrating with the referee, as well as backing up his own performance with another solid display in the openside jersey.
That contrasted sharply with Leinster’s Jamie Osborne and Tommy O’Brien in particular, who combined to great effect and created moments to keep their team’s momentum trending in the right direction.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
GAA star Brendan Maher & former Miss Ireland Aoife Hannon announce pregnancyTipp GAA star Brendan Maher and former Miss Ireland Aoife Hannon have announced they are expecting their first child!
Read more »
Law graduate crowned Miss Ireland 2023Law graduate Jasmine Gerhardt has been crowned Miss Ireland 2023 over the weekend. And she's just delighted!
Read more »
Ireland World Cup stars in line for URC return this weekendLeinster and Ulster will be able to recall some of their more established International players for the fourth round of the URC.
Read more »
Human trafficking: ‘Hundreds’ of women forced into prostitution in IrelandHundreds of women are being forced to work as prostitutes after being trafficked to Ireland, the Justice Minister has told Newstalk Breakfast.
Read more »
Stargazers delighted as Northern Lights visible over much of IrelandThe spectacular display was visible as far south as Cork and Kerry last night
Read more »
TV view: Golfers in a spin as Gary Neville’s view on officials goes full cycleIreland’s Katie McCabe helps send Manchester City tumbling to defeat
Read more »