Ireland legend "isn't desperate" for World Cup glory due to future consequences
Ronan O'Gara admits he isn't desperate to see Ireland win the World Cup amid talk of him taking the role in the future.
The former Munster fly-half, who won 128 caps for his country during an illustrious career, has proved himself to be amongst the finest coaching minds in the game as he transitions impressively from playing to coaching. Since hanging up his boots in 2013 he's always worked abroad.
Now he finds himself leading La Rochelle, whom he's masterminded to successive European Cups, after playing crucial roles in successes at Racing 92 and the Crusaders. His current remit largely involves downing Leinster, who make up the majority of the Ireland team. O'Gara admits that rivalry is fixed in his mind and he's not yearning to see his country win, whilst he'd still be cheering them on.
He said in an interview with RugbyPass: "Am I desperate to see Ireland win it - no. I'm a fan, the biggest thrill in life is playing for your country. The depth of pride is biggest with your country. Paul O'Connell is a good friend, it would be unbelievable to watch someone you really like lift the World Cup."
Andy Farrell is the man making the calls with Ireland having taken over from Joe Schmidt after the last World Cup. Under him the Irish have won the Grand Slam and a first ever series away in New Zealand but, when he does decide to step aside, O'Gara is tipped as his successor.
Your chance for a 2023 Guinness Six Nations rugby shirt
Currently the former Munster star is contract at La Rochelle until 2027 and he concedes, were Ireland to have already climbed Everest by winning the World Cup, it could have an impact on his desire to take the role, accepting that retaining a title is harder than winning it for the first time.
Ronan O'Gara is tipped as a future Ireland boss (AFP via Getty Images)O'Gara confessed: "There's no doubt that (Ireland winning the World Cup) would definitely have consequences because you want to be the first coach, the guy involved, but sometimes life doesn't work like that. If you look at it from the Crusaders point of view, it is more difficult to retain and win it again. It depends how you shape your mindset in terms of, would it be a one off for Ireland or can they create a dynasty."
Ireland's systems and playing style has earned huge plaudits with Farrell seemingly having a conveyor belt of players to choose from. They made the biggest statement at the World Cup so far by seeing off defending champions South Africa last weekend, 13-8 in Paris.
O'Gara, throughout his time with Ireland, never made it past the last eight at a World Cup. That hoodoo has continued to haunt the nation following recent quarter-final exits in 2015 and 2019. Now though they are tipped to finally make, at least, the last four, even if their route to the final is a daunting one.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
