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.

Andy Farrell and Jonathan Sexton 5/10/2023

S Ronan O'Gara: The only two World Cup certainties left - pressure and injuries

Death and taxes they say. But as the Rugby World Cup moves towards its knockout phase, there are other certainties for every nation still standing

Sat, 07 Oct, 2023

S Ronan O'Gara on Ireland v the Boks: If only games were played on paper or in the gym

What may be under-appreciated is Jack Crowley's inner steel. He has accepted his challenges, his failings, his learnings. If Ireland are to win this World Cup, he is going to have a big role.

Fri, 22 Sep, 2023

Jonathan Sexton celebrates as he scores a try 16/9/2023

S Ronan O'Gara: There's too much in Johnny's immediate future to pause and enjoy points record

We haven’t been in touch much because it's professional sport and we are rivals. We’ve crossed swords in each of the last three campaigns, and we both want to win

Sun, 17 Sep, 2023

S Ronan O'Gara: Come Sunday, Ireland move into World Cup knockout mode

As good as Ireland's phase game is, no-one will want to play France in the World Cup quarter-finals - and that means seeing off Tonga and South Africa on successive, and sore, weekends.

Fri, 15 Sep, 2023

S Ronan O'Gara: Injuries and cards will decide the destination of the Webb Ellis trophy

Ireland and Andy Farrell have gone all in on Johnny Sexton. Past form does not count - you need current form very quickly at the World Cup. Being out of the competitive sphere for such a long time, all his automatics are gone

Fri, 08 Sep, 2023

New Zealand v South Africa - 2023 Summer International

S Ronan O'Gara: I would much prefer to play New Zealand in the quarter-final than France

If France go down, and that’s unlikely, they will die on the turf. They’d rather go home on their shields if they can’t carry them.

Fri, 01 Sep, 2023

S Ronan O'Gara: We don't want to leave any chinks for the begrudgers

La Rochelle can complete a remarkable Champions Cup-Top 14 double on Saturday. Standing in their way is a Toulouse side sprinkled with stars. But our columnist wouldn't swap his Maritimes for anyone

Fri, 16 Jun, 2023

S Ronan O'Gara: Crowley is now pushing all the right buttons in terms of Ireland

The Munster ten is going to have a bigger role than most people think at the World Cup in the autumn

Fri, 02 Jun, 2023

RUGBYU-EUR-CHAMPIONS-CUP-LEINSTER-LA ROCHELLE

S Ronan O'Gara exclusive: Be a langer all the time if you want to. It’s better than an emotional Jekyll and Hyde

The inside story of toil and themes, beers and barbecues, of care and connection at the heart of the club's rise to the mountain top.

Fri, 26 May, 2023

Stade Rochelais v Exeter Chiefs: Semi Finals - Heineken Champions Cup

Ronan O'Gara exclusive: We don't fret over Leinster. We focus on ourselves

The week began with La Rochelle's Irish backroom staff watching Jack Crowley emulate a former Munster out half at Lansdowne Road. It will end in the Aviva Stadium too and the French club's third Champions Cup final on the trot.

Fri, 19 May, 2023