‘Extremely proud’ Ronan O’Gara takes top job at La Rochelle

La Rochelle have this morning announced that head coach Ronan O’Gara has signed a three year contract as ‘head of the professional team’.

O’Gara has been head coach of the club’s rugby matters for the last two seasons. La Rochelle have gone from strength to strength in that time and will take on Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-finals next weekend.

Now the former Munster outhalf will have even more responsibility at the club in a role that will include increased input in boardroom decisions and academy structures.

The promotion comes following the departure of former Leinster coach Jono Gibbes who has agreed to take over as head coach at Clermont Auvergne.

Speaking following the news, Ronan O’Gara said that he is ‘extremely proud’ to be trusted by the Top 14 outfit.

“I am extremely proud of the trust that Stade Rochelais continues to show me by appointing
me at the head of the team,” said the Corkman.

“I am obviously very excited about next season, but first, we have important challenges ahead of us and above all a good season to end in the best possible way.”