Ronan O’Gara has been confirmed this morning as the Head of the Professional Team at Stade Rochelais in the French Top 14 League for a period of three years until 2024.
A statement issued by the club says that “Discussions were initiated a few weeks ago at Jono Gibbes’ request which led to his early release from (his position as Head Coach) on June 30.”
“The Club’s priority was to extend its collaboration with its head coach, Ronan O’Gara, and promote him at the head of the professional team.”
“The Club is therefore delighted with Ronan’s re-engagement until 2024 and his loyalty to the Stade Rochelais’ project, which he will continue to strengthen through his managerial skills, his top-level experience and his full immersion in the club culture.”
O’Gara joined the coaching team at Stade Rochelais in July 2019, having started his coaching career at Racing 92 in 2013, before joining the Crusaders in 2018. He already has one French and two Super Rugby titles to his credit as a coach.
“I am extremely proud of the trust that Stade Rochelais continues to show me by appointing me at the head of the team. I am obviously very excited about next season, but first, we have important challenges ahead of us and above all a good season to end in the best possible way.”
O’Gara has been a thoughtful and at times acerbic analysts with Off the Ball and on Virgin media as part of their rugby coverage and it has to be hoped his new responsibilities will allow for that to continue.
He recently appeared on the new Mario Rosenstock podcast and provided one of the most open and honest hours of audio entertainment you will hear this year.
Sport for Business Partners
