Talisman.

Munster Rugby announced some huge contract news yesterday with the province revealing that Conor Murray has signed an extension and will remain at his boyhood club for at least another season.

But that still still doesn’t address the elephant in the room, with Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony still yet to commit to the province.

O’Mahony is out of contract at the end of the season, and with the flanker shockingly relinquishing the Munster captaincy earlier in the season, speculation has been rife.

The 34-year-old continues to be one of Munster’s most important players, but given his age, a central contract offer appears to be off the table, leaving Munster’s to largely foot the bill, as they have been forced to with Murray.

Munster assistant coach Denis Leamy was asked about O’Mahony’s situation yesterday as the province get set for a huge Champions Cup tie with Northampton Saints this weekend and said:

“That’s still ongoing, but I’m led to believe there will be white smoke very soon.”

What the white smoke will indicate remains to be seen but Munster fans will be hoping that they can retain their talisman for at least another season.