Ronan O'Gara handed season ending ban in France

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara has been handed a five-week suspension by the French Rugby Federation’s (FFR) appeals committee for “actions against a match official”.

The sanction, confirmed on Friday, overturns a more lenient ruling from the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) disciplinary panel, which had initially issued only a reprimand and fine following the Top 14 Round 15 match away to Toulon on January 28, a game La Rochelle lost 45–26.

The FFR’s appeals body opted for a stricter punishment, citing O’Gara’s “actions against a match official” and “threatening act(s) or words towards a match official”. The decision means the former Ireland international will be banned from pitchside duties for the remainder of the regular season—and any potential play-off involvement.

O’Gara has a history of disciplinary run-ins since moving into coaching and now is barred from matchday contact and other in-person coaching roles during this period.

Currently seventh in the Top 14 table, La Rochelle face Vannes on Saturday in Round 23.

The club has the right to challenge the suspension before the administrative court of Versailles, pending a mandatory submission to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee’s Conference of Conciliators.