The new head coach was speaking to the media for the first time today.

New Munster head coach Johann Van Graan has insisted that he will do everything in his ability to keep Peter O’Mahony at the province for the next couple of years.

In the Irish Times today it has been reported that the Munster captain has declined a new duel contract from the IRFU and Munster that would see him stay with the province until after the 2019 World Cup.

After the recent news of Simon Zebo leaving the province at the end of the year, losing the back row would be a huge blow to Munster Ireland and Van Graan in his first year as a head coach.

The South African can be optimistic however after seeing a relatively young Munster side put in a decent performance on Sunday against Zebre in the Pro 14 coming away with a bonus point win in Parma.

Speaking to the media for the first time today, the former South Africa attack coach admitted that a lot of clubs have to deal with the prospect of losing their best players nowadays to clubs in England and in France due financial reasons out of the Province’s and IRFU’s control.

“It’s a concern for clubs all around the world losing players to England and France. Special players win big games and trophies. He’s our club captain and if I could in any way be able to keep him at Munster and within Ireland until the World Cup, I’ll do everything in my power to do that,”

“He’s contracted to the IRFU until the end of the season. He’s been offered a contract extension with some added benefits and I believe it’s in the best interests of Munster rugby and of the IRFU to keep him at Munster and Ireland.

“Hopefully, that’s (the move abroad) not a done deal. He stands for so much more, he’s a Munster man through and through and (I’m) looking forward to that discussion with him.”

He added: “It’s my first week in the job, so obviously there’s protocols in place, communication channels in place. I’ve been in contact with Garet Fitzgerald and David Nucifora, speaking to Joe (Schmidt) a lot, so just follow the process at this stage.

“The good thing is I’m coming from a country where a lot of players have left. You’ll never keep all your players, that’s just the way of professional rugby. I think if you look at the trend in professional sport at this stage people are moving. I’d love to keep everyone at Munster for as long as possible.

“It’s an opportunity for new stars to be born but at this stage, hopefully Pete will stay.”