Decision imminent on in-demand Ronan O'Gara's future

Ronan O’Gara is in talks with La Rochelle about extending his deal with the club until 2031, French outlet Sud Ouest have reported.

The Irishman is heading into his eighth season with La Rochelle, his sixth at the helm, but is entering the final year of his contract.

La Rochelle’s slump in recent seasons has invited plenty of speculation over whether the 49-year-old would leave the Atlantic coast at the end of the season, or even whether he would see out his contract.

The Munster legend has also been linked with plenty of jobs in recent months. While Andy Farrell’s contract extension with Ireland until 2031 closed the door on O’Gara leading the country he represented 128 times, there has been plenty of speculation as to whether he would take over from Leo Cullen at Leinster, with the current head coach set to move on at the end of the season.

This potential new deal at La Rochelle would put an end to any links with Leinster, but there are a number of factors at play with regard to any new deal at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, chiefly the control he will have over recruitment.

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Top 14

Stade Rochelais

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6 Sep 26

Toulouse

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A new deal until 2031 would dovetail with Farrell’s contract with Ireland, meaning O’Gara could potentially become Ireland head coach.

O’Gara seems to have his sights set on taking La Rochelle back to the top table of European rugby, having guided them to back-to-back Investec Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, while also pursuing an elusive Top 14 title, which would be the first in the club’s history.

La Rochelle get their season underway this weekend with a visit from reigning champions Toulouse. It will bring to an end a busy summer of transfers, which has seen Springbok Salmaan Moerat, Samoa captain Theo McFarland and former Bulls centre David Kriel arrive, but0 also seen international props Joel Sclavi and Reda Wardi leave the club.