Donncha O’Callaghan has opened up on the possibility of helping Munster after exchanging messages with the southern province’s incoming interim CEO, Avan Lee.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Offload, the former Munster and Ireland lock confirmed that the pair were looking to meet when Lee arrives from New Zealand.

However, O’Callaghan clarified that they had yet to speak, with their contact so far limited to messages about arranging a catch-up.

“We haven’t spoken yet, but we’ve been messaging about catching up when he comes over,” O’Callaghan said.

“I love Munster. Anything I could do to help, I would be delighted to.”

While willing to contribute, O’Callaghan stressed that his public opinions should not be taken as representing all former Munster players.

“When I speak, I speak on behalf of myself,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s fair to put the pressure on the province by kind of saying, ‘If Donncha feels this, the whole province feels that.’ That’s not the case.”

O’Callaghan explained that disagreement between former teammates is common, pointing to Alan Quinlan’s assessment of the current squad as one example.

“Quinny was really tough on the squad. He was there, ‘That squad isn’t good enough.’ I totally disagree,” he said.

“I think if we looked at our squad back then, you could’ve said that about us.”

For O’Callaghan, any potential involvement would also require careful consideration of how he could make a meaningful contribution.

He highlighted the experiences of other former players who had returned to help the province before subsequently stepping away.

“I’m happy to help, but also massively conscious that an awful lot of my ex-teammates have tried to help out,” he said.

“If you look at Billy Holland, Killian Keane, Mick O’Driscoll, they’re all good men. They went in with all the right intentions to help out. But then having to step away, I think, is really difficult.”

The discussion also touched on Peter O’Mahony’s criticism of Munster, with O’Callaghan maintaining that former players’ concerns come from their attachment to the province.

“We all want the best for this group. We all want the best for the team,” he said.

“I’m so grateful to Munster. That was a vehicle for me to go beyond myself. That shaped me as a man. I love the place.”

O’Callaghan believes a change in leadership offers an opportunity to bring people together, while acknowledging that improvements are needed.

“Making sure that everyone’s pulling together is probably the big issue, Tommy,” he added.

“I feel with a new change in CEO, that could be possible. But I do feel also that there are probably more areas that need improving.”

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