Six Nations 2025: Evolution beckons for deposed champions Ireland as legends bow out

For the first time in 14 years, O’Mahony will not be part of that work.

Having poured his lot into the Irish cause over a career that yielded 114 caps and five Six Nations titles – including one as captain – the Munster great is looking forward to watching games from the stands with his family.

And as he bows out, O’Mahony – as well-placed as anyone to comment on the health of Irish rugby – insists the team is still in “incredible shape” despite a third-place finish, considering where they have come from.

O’Mahony, of course, was one of the last links to the darker days, pointing to the famous 2013 loss to Italy in Rome.

Ireland finished fifth that year, but rebuilt impressively under Joe Schmidt after Declan Kidney’s departure, capturing back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015 before the Grand Slam three years later.

“Now the expectation of everyone in Ireland when we take to the pitch is that we win,” said O’Mahony, who received a rapturous ovation when he replaced Josh van der Flier after 51 minutes against Italy.

“The expectation when we start the Six Nations is that we win the Six Nations. That’s down to the hard work of the players. We’ve gone from hoping to expecting. Over the space of a decade or so, we’ve changed the mindset of players and supporters to expect nothing but wins from Ireland.

“That group is one of the most talented you’ll ever come across from an Irish point of view. I look at the younger players I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside over the past eight weeks, it’s getting better and better.

“It gives me a huge amount of pride, Cian [Healy] spoke inside about leaving a mark on the younger players and if I’ve made a little difference or shown them a few things not to do, I’d be a happy man.”