La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara admits he one day wants to coach Ireland but believes that right and honour has to be earned.
The Irishman is certainly showing his worth as a coach after winning back-to-back Champions Cups with La Rochelle, with the second title confirmed on Saturday with a 27-26 win over Leinster.
A very fast start from Leinster had the French side down by 17 points at one stage in the first half but they fought back to snatch the game and defend their title.
Higher honours in the future?
The former fly-half admitted he would like to coach Ireland, and with the kind of accolades he is adding next to his name, one would imagine there would be a good chance of that one day happening.
O’Gara told the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “Yes, of course, I want to coach Ireland as well but you have got to earn that right.”
The tactician had a sneaky jab at Leinster, who rested all their stars the week before the final, before commending the character of his team.
“Because it is the freshest it is always the best, isn’t it?” said O’Gara.
“I’m just proud of the character of the team, 17-0 down and away from home, they could have easily found a way to find an excuse but these boys have character and character is important in sport.
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“We love it. We care a lot for each other. We don’t talk about that but we act and there is no bigger proof in the pudding than back-to-back (Champions Cup wins).
“We are probably beginning to be seen as a special team and I think the boys deserve to be there.”
“Sport is ruthless”
O’Gara also took a moment to acknowledge that it will be a difficult one for the Leinster group to take.
“Sport is ruthless,” O’Gara added. “I must admit that as a head coach or leader of this group, you feel for Leinster management and the players, it is horrible. One bus goes happy and the other bus is devastated.”