Ronan O’Gara Expresses Interest in International Coaching Role, Excludes Wales

La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara has stated his strong desire to challenge himself in the international rugby arena, but he expressed caution about potentially leading the Wales team, which has recorded 12 consecutive Test losses. The 47-year-old, a former Ireland fly-half, guided La Rochelle to consecutive Champions Cup victories in 2022 and 2023, following his previous roles as an assistant coach at Racing 92 and New Zealand’s Crusaders. O’Gara articulated his professional ambitions, saying, “You have got to have those ambitions because you want to be the best you can be.” He further added, “There are Test jobs I would bite people’s hands off for.” While no international coaching positions are currently vacant, the Welsh Rugby Union is evaluating the future of Wales coach Warren Gatland, who is under pressure. The New Zealander has indicated he will discuss with his family whether he wishes to continue in his current capacity. However, O’Gara confirmed he was not considering the possibility of succeeding Gatland. He elaborated, “I haven’t thought about that, to be honest with you.” O’Gara then specified his preferred nations, stating, “Without lacking humility, I would prefer Ireland, England or France.” In 2022, after Eddie Jones was dismissed, O’Gara removed himself from consideration for the England job, instead signing a five-year contract extension with La Rochelle. This agreement is set to expire in the summer of 2027, potentially providing O’Gara with an opportunity to take on an international role after the Rugby World Cup in Australia later that year. La Rochelle’s attempt to secure a third successive European title concluded last season with a quarter-final defeat by Leinster. The club is still pursuing its first Top 14 championship, having lost to Toulouse in the French game’s showpiece final twice under O’Gara, in 2021 and 2023. Despite defeating Bath in their opening European fixture on Friday, La Rochelle has experienced a slow start to the current campaign, currently positioned sixth in their domestic standings. O’Gara, who won two European crowns with Munster and a Grand Slam with Ireland as a player, commented on his coaching approach: “In France I am seen as very demanding and difficult because of standards I try and keep, but I just want players to try and experience what I did.” He further expressed, “I got so much out of the game. It gave me wonderful emotions, and now I want to really try and give back.” La Rochelle is scheduled to play Bristol at home on Saturday evening in the second of their four Champions Cup pool games.