Jono Gibbes: La Rochelle’s defence a ‘massive credit’ to Ronan O’Gara’s work

O’Gara’s devotion to the Crusaders ethos of KBA (Keep Ball Alive) has made waves but Gibbes highlights his influence on the defence as maybe the most transformative of influences

WHY NOT US: La Rochelle’s director of rugby Jono Gibbes has already helped to deliver Leinster’s greatest days and now, with a very successful partnership with head coach Ronan’OGara, looks set to do likewise with La Rochelle, who sit second in the Top 14, five points off Toulouse, but with a game in hand. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Seven years since Jono Gibbes left Dublin to become Franck Azema’s right-hand man at Clermont Auvergne and the success Leinster enjoyed during his six-year spell at the club remains unmatched.

It’s unlikely it ever will.