A Tale Of Two Lions

Just shy of ten years since first taking to the field as teammates in age-grade rugby, products of the Munster Rugby Academy, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray, will now do so on rugby’s biggest stage when they start a British and Irish Lions Test together on Saturday.

Both coming through the schools, clubs and academy pathway in the province, coincidentally the duo were on the bench for their respective sides in the 2006 Munster Schools Senior Cup final, Murray’s St. Munchin’s claiming the title on the day. Playing three years of senior schools rugby, O‘Mahony would also bag the coveted title, doing so in 2007 before also captaining the Mardyke outfit the following season.

O’Mahony and Murray are profiled in the 2006 Munster Schools Senior Cup Final match programme.

The Cork Con and Garryowen clubmen entered the Munster Rugby Academy together in 2008 and Murray will know more than anyone the grit, experience and leadership that O’Mahony brings to the table, having had the talismanic Cork-man as his captain across numerous representative teams beginning with the Ireland U19s in 2008, and later, Munster U20, Ireland U20, Munster A, Munster and now the Lions.

In terms of international silverware, Murray claimed a Series win with the Lions in the 2013 Tour to Australia, while both were central to Ireland’s back-to-back 6 Nations titles in 2014 and 2015.

Pictured in their first week as contracted players, entering the Academy in summer 2008.

The duo in Munster U20 interprovicial action against Leinster in 2008.

Partners in crime, even in paintball, in Year 2 of the Academy.

Heading on tour to Cardiff with the U20s in 2008.  Pictured with then Head Coach Ian Costello and Assistant Coach Anthony Foley.