Ronan O’Gara has ended months of speculation about his future by signing a new contract with La Rochelle that will keep him at the club until 2031.
The Corkman has enjoyed a hugely successful spell on the French Atlantic coast since joining in 2020, guiding the club to their first and second Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023 and getting to two Top 14 finals.
Having previously worked as an assistant at Racing 92 and the Crusaders, he joined La Rochelle in 2019 and worked for two years under Jono Gibbes before taking the top job and has excelled in the years since.
During his time in France, he’s been linked with moves back to Ireland, including the current vacancy at Leinster, while he has spoken about his desire to one day coach at international level.
Once Andy Farrell prolonged his contract until after the next World Cup in 2031, it seemed likely that O’Gara would extend his stay in France. Despite contact from Leinster, it is understood that remaining in the ultra-competitive Top 14 was always his priority.
O’Gara’s family are well settled on Ile de Ré and the coach is midway through a team rebuilding project.