5 hours Ago By Martin Healy
Ronan O’Gara has opened the door to some major changes to his rugby coaching career amid a tough run for his side La Rochelle.The Ireland and Munster legend has spent the vast majority of his post-playing career in France – interrupted only by a spell coaching in New Zealand.ROG’s time with La Rochelle on the country’s west coast stretches back to 2019 and has seen the Corkman guide the club to two Champions Cup titles.
La Rochelle’s coach Ronan O’Gara. Pic: XAVIER LEOTY / AFPThe current campaign has been a tough for O’Gara’s charges as they are sitting seventh in the Top 14 with the business end of the campaign in sight.Last weekend’s loss to Lyon at the Stade Marcel Deflandre was their fifth consecutive defeat in a row and leaves them in danger of missing out on the play-offs altogether.
Speaking to the media following the home defeat, O’Gara questioned his future with the French side and opened the door to potentially seeking an exit in the future.Ronan O’Gara has opened the door to some major changes to his rugby coaching career. Pic: David Rogers/Getty ImagesRonan O’Gara on his future‘It’s a crisis, we have to accept it,’ O’Gara explained.
‘We had an unacceptable first half for a Top 14 team...
‘It is my club, I’d like to fight for it, do what’s necessary.‘Rumours about Australia aren’t true. But, you have to ask yourself: are the players fighting for me, for the staff? Obviously today, no.
‘There is no proof I can get the team out of this crisis, but I will fight.’Australia Rugby Press Conference, Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin 28/11/2024 Head Coach Joe Schmidt.
Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo‘Maybe the message is not getting through. It’s a real option if the message is not getting through that it might be better without me.‘I haven’t lost confidence in myself, that’s for sure, but you need to ask the question.
Can you imagine [what] the fans who watched that think?‘It’s not my rugby, it’s not my state of mind, it’s not my attitude, but the players represent me. Right now, there’s a disconnect.’ Ireland face sweat on Garry Ringrose as ban likely after Ben Thomas tackle The 47-year-old has been linked with a number of major international roles in the past, including England.
With Joe Schmidt departing Australia later this year, ROG’s name has also come into the reckoning to take over the Wallabies..
