As the dust settles after last weekend's Champions Cup final, it seems that appreciation around the job Ronan O'Gara is doing at La Rochelle is starting to grow even further.
Much of the post-match discussion was dominated by Leinster's failure to win the game and rightly so. After all, they were 17 points up after only 12 minutes and looked like they were going to beat their French opponents at a canter.
That was never going to be the case. La Rochelle are an incredible rugby team, one that is as resilient as it is skilful and powerful.
A lot of that is down to their head coach. Ronan O'Gara has instilled a remarkable amount of belief into the group, something that has driven them to remarkable heights over the last couple of years.
Brian O'Driscoll summed up after the game what makes him such a special a coach at La Rochelle. The scary thing for the rest of European rugby is that they are only getting started.
The Cork man has a contract in place until 2027 and seems very happy with his life in France. In saying that, there will always be a handful of jobs that could tempt him away.
Ronan O'Gara speaks honestly about his Ireland ambitions
O'Gara has long spoken about his goal to move into coaching at test level at some stage.
Last year, he admitted that he would be open to taking the England job and it was said that there was some interest from the RFU. Considering his exploits in France, it would also not be a surprise to see him linked with the French job at some point when Fabien Galthie steps aside.
However, it is assumed that his next destination could be a return home.
Andy Farrell has a contract in place until 2027, which happens to be the same year that O'Gara sees his deal at La Rochelle expire. As a result, a move to become the next Ireland head coach seems like a natural one.
Speaking on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, the former Munster star admitted that coaching his country is an ambition that he holds. In saying that, he said that he did not have a god given right to be offered the job.
Yes, of course, I want to coach Ireland as well but you have got to earn that right.
Of course it will [stand him in good stead if he gets the Ireland job]. You're always getting better...
I know where I come from, the boys know where I come from.
I am very proud to come from Cork, it means a lot to me, a lot of great sportspeople have come out of Cork and they inspire me.
You mix that with the best of French, South African, New Zealand, Australian, Samoan - we have players from all around the world who I would like to think are made to feel at home.
It's a brilliant feeling. We back our environment, we have fun. Rugby is meant to be enjoyed and I think you saw it was a group of 23 that didn't down tools and that means a lot to me.
If his progress continues along its current trajectory, there is no doubt that Ronan O'Gara will be offered the Ireland job in the not too distant future.
The only concern for the IRFU will be that one of the other big nations in world rugby will come along and snap him up first.
SEE ALSO: Munster Legend Explains Why Leinster's La Rochelle Loss Will Be Worrying For Andy Farrell
