It's the expectation of everyone in Irish Rugby that Ronan O'Gara will return to Munster at some point in the future. That's why it was perhaps so surprising to see him commit to Racing 92 for the long term with a new contract.
It seems that O'Gara's time in Paris is definitely doing him good - offering him new perspective on the game, and teaching him a lot about the game. Who would have thought that watching the great man that he'd turn into one of the best defensive coaches in the Top 14?
His Munster and Ireland compatriot, Paul O'Connell is still figuring out his next step - after visiting Grenoble and Harlequins as he contemplates a coaching role in the game. It's something that would excite O'Gara to see the big man do, and opens up the door for an arousing possibility for Munster fans.
I talk to Paulie, Paulie will be an exceptionally good coach and it's no secret of the two of ours that we want to team up. It's about getting the right opportunity.
Could you imagine? Paulie and ROG back making the decisions together again? While that's the dream scenario - O'Gara wants to give O'Connell time to adjust to life after rugby. He doesn't see O'Connell joining the staff in Paris - but doesn't completely rule it out:
No, but depending on what role he wants there's always something potentially.
Any fella who has his head screwed on will be looking to snap him up. It's a case of trying to get a plan together between us and start competing as a unit, because that's what we both want to do. He's still just readjusting and you've got to appreciate that too, because your head is all over the place when you come out of rugby.
O'Gara for his part says he's still adjusting to coaching despite an apparently successful start. He claims that he's still in the "spoofing" stage of his apprenticeship, and is trying to get used to speaking as a coach in front of players.
I need to learn, basically, this is only my third year as a coach. I'm nowhere near ready. I understand a lot of it, but I have no idea how to coach the attack game fluently yet.
When you're standing in front of Munster or Irish players, they spot a spoofer straight away. I'm still at the spoofing stage. I need to get it all on autopilot. I don't have that at the minute.
Not that as a Corkonian he isn't good at some spoof...
See Also: Ronan O'Gara Has Given An Interesting Take On Gary Neville's Time At Valencia
See Also: Bernard Jackman Throws Cold Water On Reports Regarding Paul O'Connell
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
