Jim Hamilton believes an opening could present itself for Ronan O'Gara to take on the France job sooner rather than later.
The Corkman has been widely tipped to move into test coaching when his stint with La Rochelle comes to an end, and he has been linked with the Australia head coach role in recent days.
It has been confirmed that Joe Schmidt will leave as Australia boss sooner than expected, with the former Ireland coach to vacate his role after this year's Lions tour and Rugby Championship. O'Gara has reportedly expressed his interest in taking on the role.
The sudden departure of Warren Gatland as Wales coach may also lead to speculation of a move to Cardiff, but O'Gara has already stated his disinterest in taking on the reins there.
One job that he has publicly stated would interest him is the head coach role with France. Scotland icon Hamilton believes that its not out of the question he could even get a shot at that job this year.
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Jim Hamilton thinks Ireland v France could present opportunity for Ronan O'Gara
12 January 2025; Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O'Gara before the Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 match between Stade Rochelais and Leinster at Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
On this week's episode of The Rugby Pod, Jim Hamilton suggested defeat to Ireland in the Six Nations could spell the end for Fabien Galthié with France.
Though Les Bleus have produced some magnificent rugby under Galthié, they have underperformed in the Six Nations. An unexpected defeat to England on Saturday means this year's championship rides on an away day to in-form Ireland, and Hamilton thinks it could be make or break for Galthié.
The Rugby Pod panel agreed that now could be the time for O'Gara to seek a move away from La Rochelle and Hamilton said he thought the Corkman could be a contender should Galthié exit as France coach.
I don't think Australia is the right fit for Ronan O'Gara...I don't want to speak for him. But I spoke with him at the [Scotland v Ireland] game, more about wanting to coach internationally.
Now is the time, but where is the job? Scotland job I think will come up but I think Franco Smith will get that. Where else? Andy Farrell...does he stay on after 2027? He could well do. Where is the opportunity?
Does he want to coach France? If France don't go well this tournament, does Galthié step down? Shaun Edwards and ROG?
O'Gara would certainly be one of the leading candidates should Galthié walk, even if France have never had an outside coach in their history.
Should an opportunity with France present itself, the thought of a potential opening with Ireland in 2027 will no doubt be playing on O'Gara's mind, and Hamilton believes it should also be on the IRFU's mind.
"If you're the IRFU, you don't want to miss the boat on someone like Ronan O'Gara," Hamilton said.
A move into test rugby feels inevitable for Ronan O'Gara in the coming years but where and when that role will appear remains the big question.
