Ronan O'Gara is on the cusp of yet another monumental shift. When he leaves Racing of France for Crusaders of New Zealand, O'Gara and his young family will embark upon a professional adventure that few figures from Irish rugby ever encounter.
The "holy grail" of clubs to work with according to an interview O'Gara granted to the Sunday Independent's 'Life' magazine, the former Munster man was in a contemplative mood as he moves farther still from his native Cork.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of his playing career particularly, O'Gara spoke frankly about his experience of "sports depression":
I don't know what real depression is, thankfully, but I know what sports depression is, because I've suffered it a lot of times. And that really is horrendous.
Thoughts come into your head where you'd be happy if your world just ended.
A theme that O'Gara has explored previous - but rarely in such vivid detail - throughout his two books, certain disappointments seem destined to stay with Ireland's all-time record points scorer:
In 2000, we could have won a European Cup and I missed four kicks; it meant that Peter Clohessy and Mick Galway didn't get a European Cup medal.
At the time, it seems like there is no way forward. There was personal stuff that came out around that time.
While distressing, O'Gara's forthright speaking manner is what has endeared him to many in both his playing and post-playing career; his contributions to TV3's new Six Nations panel an invaluable asset.
Life has rarely been simple for O'Gara though. Poor investments as a player and the recent loss of some of his closest friends and old teammates has had an effect that will not be shaken off.
In speaking so openly about his issues however, you would hope his personal well-being will quickly align with a professional career that is going from strength to strength.
