Leader.

Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray has pleaded with the IRFU to ensure they retain the services of captain Peter O’Mahony ahead of this weekend’s crucial Champions Cup pool gamer with Leicester.

Murray says Munster simply cannot afford to lose another player of O’Mahony’s calibre, having already lost Donnacha Ryan, and with Simon Zebo set to depart for France at the end of the season.

The talented nine says O’Mahony is “part of the furniture.”

“Pete’s our leader, he’s a massive leader, he’s captained Ireland, he is part of the furniture.

“It’s more of a reality now that people can leave,” added Murray, who also hopes CJ Stander can be retained.

“I hope the IRFU do absolutely everything to keep Peter because he is integral to our plans here and with Ireland. We can’t afford to lose another one. We all understand that if it gets drawn out or takes a while, it is because you need to find your value, it is a short career, and that is the way things go.

“They are part of this culture, what we have building here and what we want to achieve and they are leaders and they drive it.”

O’Mahony yesterday stated that he will leave negotiations to his agent, and hopes to have a decision made by the new year.

“It’s professional sport,” O’Mahony said yesterday.

“It’s a short career. It’s well documented I’ve had a couple of offers. It’s at a critical juncture. Hopefully it will be done by the new year regardless.”