Columns - Irish Examiner

Ronan O’Gara

An Irish rugby legend and record‑setting out‑half turned elite coach with La Rochelle. A prominent pundit known for frank, compelling, agenda-setting analysis.

Ronan O'Gara: 'I couldn’t be happier with the players I am going into battle with'

How you use your players, how and when you want them to peak is the most important thing you can do as a coach

Fri, 16 Apr, 2021

Gloucester Rugby v La Rochelle - Heineken Champions Cup - Kingsholm Stadium

Ronan O'Gara: Cracking the players up with the most elementary passing drills

I don’t see being in a European Cup quarter-final as a big deal. It does my head in to see high-fiving in the streets and the notion that we will get there ‘eventually’. I want to win things now, not eventually

Fri, 09 Apr, 2021

Leinster v Munster - Guinness PRO14 Final

Ronan O’Gara: Munster and the identity that’s somewhere out there

As an ex-player, you’d be worried about the club now, and whether they are losing their identity. What do Munster stand for now?

Fri, 02 Apr, 2021

Ronan O’Gara: There’s nobody or nothing running over Keith Earls these days

What are the chances now of Earls going back to South Africa with the Lions a full 12 years after the 2009 tour there?

Thu, 25 Mar, 2021

Rhys Ruddock and Simon Easterby 11/3/2021

Ronan O'Gara: But for individual errors, we'd all be talking about Simon Easterby's defence

There’s a barn of back-row talent coming through in Leinster and Munster but in true Irish fashion, CJ Stander’s ability to smash holes and set tones will only be properly appreciated when he is gone

Fri, 19 Mar, 2021

A general view of Murrayfield Stadium ahead of the game 13/2/2021

Ronan O’Gara: It shouldn’t be easier to accept defeat away from home

Sport without crowds has bucked the trend, but it is something one expects to see reversed once spectators return.

Fri, 12 Mar, 2021

Cardiff Blues v Munster - Guinness PRO14

Ronan O'Gara: Joey Carbery return has us licking our lips but referees have me biting mine

In nominating Joey Carbery’s touchline add-on as my moment of the weekend, I’ve also got to get a grip and ask why.

Fri, 05 Mar, 2021

Dan Carter training at his home 14/4/2020

Ronan O’Gara: Extraordinary thing about Dan Carter? How ordinary he is

Dan would have been a Munster legend had he ever joined the province like his compatriot Dougie Howlett

Fri, 26 Feb, 2021

Ireland Training and Press Conference - Carton House

Ronan O'Gara: Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton's futures are different debates

Ireland is looking for someone to back up Murray at nine. The 10 issue is a perfect reverse: we should be wondering who Sexton is backing up and mentoring as a third choice.

Fri, 19 Feb, 2021

Wales v Ireland - Guinness Six Nations - Principality Stadium

Ronan O’Gara: How the 'phantom attacker' haunted James Lowe for decisive Welsh try

It is undeniable that James Lowe was the central figure for the George North and Louis Rees-Zammit scores

Thu, 11 Feb, 2021