His decision to join Racing Metro - as the club was known in 2013 - marked Ronan O'Gara as someone with a real willingness to broaden his rugby horizons.
Since joining the Top 14 side - now called Racing 92 - O'Gara has really impressed, earning a promotion to defence coach. Last year, he signed a contract tieing him to the club until 2019.
His time in France may not last that long. Tony Leen reports in today's Irish Examiner that the 40-year-old is set to make a move to further expand his rugby education.
It's said that O'Gara has been offered a two-year deal by New Zealand Super Rugby franchise Canterbury Crusaders to become assistant coach to Scott Robertson in 2018.
An IRFU source told the paper that the former Munster out-half is "99% certain to take the plunge". It's added that Crusaders GM Angus Gardiner is 'leading the chase' to acquire O'Gara's services.
Though he has close ties to the Irish Examiner - he is a columnist with the paper - O'Gara did not comment on the matter.
If he does make the move, O'Gara would coach such high profile names as Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty and Israel Dagg.
His return to Ireland and of course Munster is a prospect which been much discussed. He has, however, regularly talked about needing further experience before taking a head coaching position. Joining the Crusaders would certainly give him what he desires.
