The Six Nations championship game between Ireland and Scotland could be captain Peter O'Mahony's final Test match, according to reports.
The 34-year-old was named captain ahead of the tournament following the retirement of Johnny Sexton, but some wondered if it would be a short-term appointment.
Given his experience and leadership qualities, O'Mahony was a natural successor to Sexton even before the search for someone to fill the role long-term.
Final game
And that irish times He said Saturday was likely to be the flanker's last game for Ireland, insisting it could come sooner than expected.
The report also claimed that the Munster legend took part in “possibly the last captain's run press conference”.
O'Mahony has won over 100 caps for his national team and captained the British and Irish Lions in the opening Test of the 2017 series.
He has also won four Six Nations titles and could make it five later on Saturday, including two Grand Slams.
World rankings standings: How will Six Nations Super Saturday affect the top 10?
There was no talk of a Test retirement at the back-row players' pre-match press conference, which focused on the game against Scotland.
Ireland missed out on the Grand Slam after losing to England, but a win in Dublin will clinch the title.
Asked if not having a 100 per cent record diminished his chances of winning the title, O'Mahony said: “No, I don't think so, because it's so rare.”
“I know we've had some championships in our recent history, but if you look back over a long period of time, we're way down the list of championships won.
“You're talking about back-to-back Grand Slams, but nobody's ever done it, because it's so hard. That's why.”
10 consecutive wins
He added: “We have to win 10 Six Nations games in a row and win five away games. If you look at the overall statistics, it's incredibly difficult to win away games in this Championship.
“So tomorrow is everything for us. Give absolutely everything to us and win another championship.
“It's probably the etiquette of the Irish spirit, 'Jesus, another championship,' you know what I mean? A few years ago I suddenly had an arm and a leg ripped off. It would have been.
“We are still in the same situation and it is very important to us. We're here to win a championship, and it means nothing more to us.”
read more: Springbok great Brian Habana had a simple reaction to Ireland being regarded as the best in the world.