Ahead of tomorrow's Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 5.45pm), we have taken a quick look at the Irishmen aiming to help the French side crush the dreams of the all conquering Irish favourites for a second year in a row.
Ronan O'Gara
The top dog at Stade Rochelais, and beloved by the players and fans alike.
When ROG first set out on his coaching journey he would talk about getting the top job at Munster and Ireland; comments that may have seen arrogant to some, having yet to achieve anything in his new profession.
But just like on the pitch, he has backed up his big talk and exceeded probably everybody's expectation bar his own, with this other-worldly self-belief clearly seeping into his players.
With Scott Robertson off to coach the All Blacks, another Champions Cup title for O'Gara and La Rochelle would surely make him the most sought after club coach in the world.
19 May 2023; Head coach Ronan O'Gara during the La Rochelle captains's run at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Ferris Believes Recent Selections May Leave Leinster Undercooked For Champions Cup Final
Donnacha Ryan
After missing out a heap of deserved Irish caps, it is heart-warming to see the former Munster second-row excelling as forwards coach of one of the best packs in Europe.
He was one of the best line out operators in his day, and these skills clearly rubbing off on his pupils, as has his fierce competitiveness and his Munster love for the Heineken Cup.
Unless Ryan wants to move up to a head coach job in the near future, himself and ROG could be a very successful coaching duo for a number of years.
14 January 2023; La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara, left, and forwards coach Donnacha Ryan before the Heineken Champions Cup Pool B Round 3 match between La Rochelle and Ulster at Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Sean Dougall
Not a big name, but Dougall was the definition of a tough and handy backrower during his time at Munster, having previously been in the Ulster academy.
He also won two caps for Emerging Ireland during his time on these shores, before moving onto Pau followed and then Valence Romans.
He now finds himself as contact skills coach at La Rochelle, with a little bit of strength and conditioning sprinkled in as well.
“To be surrounded by the likes of ROG and Donners, that’s invaluable for me because I can pick their brains and watch how they operate,” he said in a recent interview with The42.
“There are world-class players here, particularly in the contact area. It’s awesome to be around those sort of guys. Then the young guys in the pathway, for them to see players in the senior team who are very good in the contact area, it emphasises how important it is for their development.”
22 June 2014; Sean Dougall, Emerging Ireland, is tackled by Valentin Poparlan, Romania. 2014 IRB Nations Cup, Emerging Ireland v Romania, Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest, Romania, Picture credit: Alex Nicodim / SPORTSFILE
Ultan Dillane
Like Ryan, he is unlucky not to have more Irish caps to his name.
Injuries at crucial moments and the sheer depth in Ireland hampered his chances at times, but he has flourished at La Rochelle in his new role at blindside flanker.
His gazelle like athleticism against tired legs could be a difference maker off the bench tomorrow evening.
19 May 2023; Ultan Dillane during the La Rochelle captains's run at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
SEE ALSO: Leinster v La Rochelle Analysis: Five Critical Areas That Will Decide The Champions Cup Final
