Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara could be the next France boss
24/04/2024 11:45
Ronan O'Gara is contemplating a potential bid for the role of head coach of France, raising doubts about his chances of securing the Ireland job after the upcoming World Cup in Australia.
Fabien Galthie, currently in his second term as France head coach with a contract extending to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, faces no immediate threat to his position despite a rocky start to this year's Six Nations tournament.
Expressing his ambitions, O'Gara shared with former France international Vincent Moscato on RMC Radio's Super Moscato Show, "I'd like to win a World Cup. I dream of winning things, whether it's with Ireland or France – I like it."
However, O'Gara indicated that if the French Rugby Federation were to consider him in the future, it would have to be for the top job. “Be a member of the staff? I don't think so,” he remarked.
Le manager de la Rochelle Ronan O'Gara a évoqué l'idée de s'immiscer dans le débat du futur sélectionneur des Bleus après 2027. Mais il se concentre avant tout sur la fin de saison de la Rochelle, qui s'annonce difficile.
“When you've had a taste of the number one position, of those responsibilities, it's difficult [to not be in overall charge]."
Acknowledging a potential obstacle to his candidacy for the France job, O'Gara referenced a past attempt by former FFR president Bernard Laporte to recruit Warren Gatland or Joe Schmidt, both non-French coaches, which was rejected by French rugby clubs in a referendum.
"I'm not French," O'Gara said, adding, "I'm trying to prove myself and put my name into the debate.
"It's possible that, for Ireland, the next coach will be from New Zealand, South Africa, or Australia – that's just the way it is."
Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw is good news for England and Steve Borthwick
The men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia will feature 24 teams after the World Rugby Council approved historic reimagination of the competition format, window and timing.
The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals.
This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023.
If the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw was made tomorrow, this is what the Pools may look like (based on rankings)
