Ronan O’Gara says there are international jobs he wants to “bite people’s hands off” as he highlights his burning desire to coach at Test level.
O’Gara has identified England and Ireland as among the attractive roles for him, but Wales is not on his radar.
Wales coach Warren Gatland’s future is uncertain after 12 successive Test defeats. The Welsh Rugby Union is currently reviewing a disastrous Autumn Nations Series campaign that saw defeats against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.
A former Ireland and Munster fly-half, O’Gara has played 128 times for his country, featured in three British and Irish Lions tours and is one of the most highly regarded coaches in world rugby.
Wales? No thank you…
But when asked about Wales he said: “To be honest, I never thought about it. “If I am not lacking in humility, I prefer Ireland, England and France.”
Read more: Who will be Wales’ next manager if Warren Gatland leaves?
O’Gara captained French club La Rochelle to back-to-back Champions Cup wins in 2022 and 2023 after completing a coaching apprenticeship with current New Zealand coach Scott Robertson at the Crusaders.
“I think you have to have that ambition because you want to be the best you can be,” O’Gara added.
“There’s some testing work that’s going to make people want to bite their hands off. If you perform well enough at the club, it will usually take care of itself.”
Champions Cup
O’Gara is now planning to win a possible third Champions Cup. This is a feat achieved by only four other teams – Toulouse, Leinster, Saracens and Toulon.
That quest began with a 24-20 away win over current Gallagher Premiership leaders Bath, with second-placed Bristol next playing on Saturday.
“In France I am seen as very demanding and difficult because of the standards I try to uphold, but I just want the players to try and experience what I have done,” O’Gara said.
“I gained a lot from the game. It gave me amazing feelings and now I sincerely want to try and repay you.
“We have only won twice in Europe. We have never won Bouclier (the French Top 14 title), so the charm, determination and carrots are enormous.
“There are really good people and really good players at this club. You try to inspire them.
Striving for Consistency
“But at the moment we are very inconsistent (La Rochelle are sixth in the top 14).
“We have to play for 60 minutes. Don’t worry about 80 minutes. If you play well for 60 minutes, you will win a lot of games.
“(The Champions Cup) is definitely a brilliant competition. Because there are benefits to me and my family.
“The feeling in La Rochelle is special because of what we have done. We need a reason to hum against Bristol.
“Our troops, like Munster of old, were always willing to surpass us with (Stade) Deflandre’s 17,000 men.
“Now they sit and watch the game. That can’t happen. The same goes for my team, but I need to give them something to shout about.
“In the Top 14, it’s an absolute dogfight because every game is difficult. Maybe people who aren’t involved don’t realize it’s rubbish.”
More information about La Rochelle: Jack Nowell – I love life on and off the pitch at La Rochelle.
