O'Gara Eyes International Coaching Challenge: A New Era in Rugby Leadership

Ronan O’Gara’s Coaching Ambitions

Ronan O’Gara, the former Ireland fly-half and current head coach of Top 14 side La Rochelle, has recently expressed his desire to test his coaching mettle on the international stage. Despite leading La Rochelle to consecutive Investec Champions Cup victories in 2022 and 2023, O’Gara remains open to new challenges.

Loyalty and Aspiration

Speaking to BBC Sport, O’Gara acknowledged the rumors linking him to the soon-to-be-vacant Wallabies head coach position but clarified there is "nothing to report" at this stage. He emphasized his loyalty to La Rochelle, the club that gave him his first head coaching opportunity.

• Commitment to La Rochelle: "I’ve a loyalty to them because they’ve put me where I am," O’Gara said.
• Ambition for International Rugby: "I want to test myself against the best coaches in the world."

The Path Forward

O’Gara highlighted that any move to international rugby would only be for a country with the potential to be "the best in the world." He stressed the importance of continuing to perform well with La Rochelle to remain in consideration for such opportunities.

• Future Prospects: "For me to get on a shortlist, you have to make sure my bread and butter, which is La Rochelle, is going well."

A Dream in Progress

Reflecting on his journey, O’Gara described his time in France as a "dream" that has prepared him for potential international roles. He remains committed to his current club while keeping an eye on future opportunities in the global rugby arena.