Ronan O'Gara has praised JJ Hanrahan's courage in stepping away from his comfort zone to take on the challenge of moving to Northampton. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the Munster out-half would leave the province to try his hand with the Aviva Premiership champions.
Speaking on 2FM's Game On on Thursday night, O'Gara conceded that Munster fans have a right to be displeased with the prospect of losing one of their rising stars, but from a personal point of view, Hanrahan's decision should be commended.
It has nothing to do with money, it's a pure rugby decision. He feels at the minute that Foley has placed his faith in Ian Keatley and he doesn't see that changing in the next 6-18 month period.
His vision is to surpass Myler in the Northampton team and look good in a good team. It's obviously a bit risky but he backing himself and then hopefully in two years time, when he's proven and, in his eyes, he's pushing Jonny Sexton with Ireland, he could return to Munster again.
Say what you want but you've got to admire the balls of the young fella, no one has done it before.
While O'Gara praised Hanrahan, he nonetheless criticised Munster for allowing the 22 year old to slip through their fingers.
For a U20 World Player of the Year nominee, it shouldn’t happen.
These are the type of players who should be driving Munster. He’s a local boy, he’s everything that is good about Munster and I think that’s what makes playing for Munster so special.
