We need to offer more to our provincial rugby stars to keep them

After an excellent article by Ronan O’Gara, I would like to make a personal observation in relation to the writer himself. In my opinion he has been totally underestimated by his own people and received shabby treatment at the end of his career.

Watching the Rugby World Cup recently and reflecting on O’Gara’s contribution to Ireland during his career, I pause before daring to say the following: If O’Gara had been born and reared in New Zealand, surrounded by all the enhancement and development New Zealand has to offer rugby talent, I wonder would Dan Carter have been looking for “Irish ancestors” in order to play international rugby?

Now O’Gara has moved his family to France in order to further his career. Lucky will be those on whose dressing room he knocks.

As for Simon Zebo. What a natural ball player and exciting entertainer with ball in hand. Will he go or will he stay ? At 25, he is a few years away from his peak and, health and fitness provided, has 10 years left at the top if he makes the right decisions.

A professional must always consider the contract terms, conditions and money. The fact that himself and O’Gara hail from the same “famous” club, is only pat on the back stuff for the club. Nothing more.

There is no sentiment or loyalty in professional sport. Apart from the next contract, surely his advisors would also be looking at his development over the next few years in order to maintain his improvement and reach higher standards.

Professionals must look at who their coaches will be and the accompanying backroom staff. Zebo must be learning that you need the best around you to fully achieve what your natural talent has to offer.

Cork Constitution identified his talent and developed it until academy level. He is at a high level now and needs the highest level of support and continued development from whomever he plays for.

Jim Hennebry

Blackrock

Cork