“I’ll do everything in my power.”

New Munster head coach Johann van Graan says he hasn’t spoken to club captain Peter O’Mahony about his contract yet, but insists he will do everything in his power to retain him.

O’Mahony is believed to have turned down an offer from the IRFU of a new contract, as he feels he is being undervalues. A number of French and English clubs are said to be monitoring the Lion captain’s situation.

A deal for O’Mahony to leave however, is far from done, with negotiations still ongoing says van Graan.

“I haven’t spoken to Pete one on one yet, he’s currently contracted to the IRFU until the end of the season,” he said.

“He’s been offered a contract extension with some added benefits and I believe it’s in the interest of Munster Rugby and of the IRFU to keep him at Munster and in Ireland.

“Luckily, that’s hopefully not a done deal (O’Mahony leaving).

“He stands for so much more, he’s a Munster man through and through and I’m looking forward to having that discussion with him.

“All the clubs in the world are concerned about losing players to England and France.

“Special players win big games, win trophies. He’s our club captain and if I could in anyway help to keep him with Munster and within Ireland until the World Cup and then after that I’ll do everything in my power.

“I’m in my first week, there are communication lines in place. I’m in contact with (Munster chief executive) Garrett Fitzgerald and (IRFU performance director) David Nucifora, I’m speaking to Joe Schmidt a lot.”