Munster boss Anthony Foley has admitted he will push for a "good deal" to ensure Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony commits his future to Thomond Park.
O’Mahony’s two-year joint deal with Munster and the IRFU expires this summer and the 25-year-old is locked in talks over an extension.
Combative Munster captain O’Mahony’s influence has soared with both club and country in the past two years, to the point where interest from French Top 14 sides is inevitable.
Head coach Foley revealed he is taking an active part in joint discussions between Munster and IRFU bosses, to ensure O’Mahony is offered competitive terms to stay in Ireland.
“We’re all involved in that and the rigmarole that goes on with it,” said Foley.
“It’s important that we look after our players, that we make sure they get good deals and they also have the stability of ensuring they stay with Munster.
“It’s important to push for a good deal for every important player.”
Munster's Ireland quartet Felix Jones, Dave Foley, Stephen Archer and Dave Kilcoyne signed new dual-level deals with the IRFU this week.
Head coach Foley said the timing of the new contracts could prove a boost in nudging the fresh deal for O’Mahony over the line.
O’Mahony himself has admitted he expects to make progress on the contract front in the next few weeks, with all the signs pointing to a renewal with Munster.
Johnny Sexton’s summer return to Leinster from Racing Metro has proved a huge shot in the arm for Irish bosses aiming to keep all their top talents in the domestic set-up.
Ireland's head coach Joe Schmidt has made no secret of his delight at that move and he will no doubt keep a keen eye on developments with O'Mahony.
“It’s great to have the likes of Felix, Dave Foley, Stephen Archer and Dave Kilcoyne sign up and hopefully that brings another degree of confidence to the squad,” said Foley.
“We’ve a good environment here: we’re competitive in the fronts that we play on. We want to win trophies and we have a good set-up, and we’d like to think that players who have high standards and who strive to win trophies will want to play for Munster.”
