If it wasn't already the case prior to Saturday's Champions Cup final, there is certainly no doubt that Ronan O'Gara is now one of the hottest names in rugby coaching circles.
The Cork man produced a coaching masterclass in their victory over Leinster. Facing a side who had run riot throughout the competition, La Rochelle managed to completely negate the opposition's attacking threat. By the end of the contest, they would score three tries to Leinster's zero.
O'Gara's tactical nouse is incredibly impressive, while he has also built up quite the team spirit at a club that does not have a tradition of competing for the sport's biggest prizes. It is a winning combination, one that is sure to make him a prime candidate when some big coaching jobs become available.
Ronan O'Gara backed for England move
In a piece in The Telegraph, journalist Daniel Schofield made the case for Ronan O'Gara to become the next England head coach, with Eddie Jones likely to leave the role after the World Cup next year.
Last month with a hint of a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Ronan O’Gara said that he would “love to have a go” as the next England head coach.
Now the Irishman can be legitimately considered a leading contender to succeed Eddie Jones as head coach, notwithstanding the Rugby Football Union’s preference for an English candidate.
Nothing else is missing on his CV. With just nine years of coaching experience, O’Gara has won Super Rugby (as an assistant with the Crusaders), the Top 14 (also as an assistant at Racing 92) and now club rugby’s grandest prize of all, the Champions Cup with La Rochelle. The RFU would be fools not to look past his nationality should - and it is a big ‘should’ - he be seriously prepared to throw his hat in the ring.
Perhaps the greatest obstacle is that every union and club with a vacancy will also be beating a path to the 45-year-old’s door...
It is easy to see why O’Gara inspires such loyalty from his players. He oozes charisma. No other coach can talk as eloquently about both the big and small picture of the game as he does in press conferences.
It is difficult to picture O'Gara in charge of England, although he seems to be open to the prospect.
Speaking to BT Sport last month, he admitted that coaching England would be a hugely attractive proposition.
Yeah, it would be a great job I think actually, what a team.
I think there's so much potential there, serious rugby players, serious passion for the game in England. It's a cracking job. You'd love to have a go off that.
Of course, many people in this country will be hoping that Ronan O'Gara will return to Irish rugby circles at some point in the not too distant future. That may not be at provincial level, where returning to Munster could be seen as a difficult task despite his links to the province.
Seeing him take charge of Ireland one day would be a very exciting prospect, although when such a move could come would all be down to a matter of timing.
SEE ALSO: Ronan O'Gara Gives Incredible Interview After Champions Cup Triumph Over Leinster
