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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.

Fond farewell Rala - the man who babysat the Irish rugby team

Fond farewell Rala - the man who babysat the Irish rugby team

Ronan O’Gara explains that Patrick ’Rala’ O’Reilly has been his precious friend and confidante over the past 21 years and he will be a huge loss for the Irish rugby internationals

Fri, 23 Oct, 2015

We could do with a few of those Polynesian lads declaring for Ireland

We could do with a few of those Polynesian lads declaring for Ireland

The disappointment is palpable, but it’s important to separate the lessons that need learning from the hysterical over-reaction in some quarters to Ireland’s World Cup exit, writes Ronan O’Gara.

Mon, 19 Oct, 2015

Argentina is a dog with size and fight

Argentina is a dog with size and fight

Ronan O’Gara looks forward to what promises to be an exciting weekend of rugby action and warns that Ireland should not underestimate Argentina who, he suggests, are playing better than ever before.

Fri, 16 Oct, 2015

Madigan's like 'This is my time, I'll show you'. And he did.

Legendary Ireland out-half Ronan O’Gara on the day Ian Madigan shut the doubters up for good.

Mon, 12 Oct, 2015

French are betting their shirt on beating Ireland

French are betting their shirt on beating Ireland

MARCOUSSIS, PARIS — I’ve put a dateline on today’s piece for context. I’m doing my coaching badge studies this week at the home of the French rugby federation. As a vox pop to tee up Sunday’s World Cup game against Ireland, it’s proved instructive.

Fri, 09 Oct, 2015

Cheika the man for the big occasion

Cheika the man for the big occasion

Ronan O’Gara analyses all the big issues at the Rugby World Cup.

Mon, 05 Oct, 2015

Why Robbie and Jared are centres of attention

Everyone’s been spending a disproportionate amount of time talking about the Ireland centres during this World Cup. I’m wondering why that is.

Fri, 02 Oct, 2015

People think I never bottled big kicks. Think again.

People think I never bottled big kicks. Think again.

Ronan O’Gara analyses all the big issues at the Rugby World Cup.

Mon, 28 Sep, 2015

Why Joe Schmidt has Irish squad singing off his hymn-sheet

Why Joe Schmidt has Irish squad singing off his hymn-sheet

Strategically speaking, Ireland were as impressive as any nation in the first round of games, writes Ronan O’Gara

Fri, 25 Sep, 2015

Japan have launched this World Cup and the next

Japan have launched this World Cup and the next

In his exclusive online column Ronan O’Gara reflects on the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2015?

Mon, 21 Sep, 2015