MUNSTER AND IRELAND LEGEND RONAN O'GARA has signed a new deal at Top 14 French side La Rochelle, ending rumours that he might take the England job.
The new deal will see the Cork native stay in France until 2027.
The former flyhalf has been on the La Rochelle's coaching staff since 2019, and head coach since 2021.
O'Gara, 45, led the French side to their first European Cup last year by beating old rivals Leinster in May.
The Ireland legend speaking recently didn't hide the fact that he'd be interested in talking over from Eddie Jones one day, but Jones' England replacement will have to be another man.
“I love my group. Gradually, we are changing status and I believe that this is only the beginning,” said O’Gara in a statement
💛 À quelques jours de débuter une nouvelle campagne européenne, le Club est heureux d’officialiser la prolongation de son Manager du groupe professionnel, Ronan O’Gara, jusqu’en 2027 ! 🔐🫵#SRvNOR | #ChampionsCup | #FievreSR https://t.co/QCmNkgoBwb
— Stade Rochelais (@staderochelais) December 6, 2022
“And then the supporters here are incredible. This passion that drives them, this support that they have given me. Yes, I have to say, all that made my decision easy. It’s a big responsibility but also a lot of pride to continue here.”
O’Gara retired from playing in 2013 and has had coaching spells with French club Racing 92, where he won the Top 14 title in 2016. He also spent time in New Zealand with the Crusaders, where he won two Super Rugby titles.
His crowning achievment was the European cup win over Leinster last year.
“I’m very happy and proud of Ronan’s extension, which is part of a sustainable performance objective,” said club president Vincent Merling.
“Together, with our supporters, we have experienced great collective emotions and I am convinced that we will experience others in the coming seasons.”
O’Gara is also serving a 10-week ban from the French rugby union league for “harming the best interests of rugby” after a run-in with match officials on 5 November. It is his fourth suspension of the year.
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