Ronan O’Gara has officially ruled himself out of the running to replace Graham Rowntree as Munster head coach.
O’Gara has reiterated his commitment to La Rochelle, having signed a contract extension with the French giants following the next World Cup in 2027.
Although the Munster and Ireland legend has been linked with a return to his home province, it was never realistically a runner given his contractual situation, as he confirmed as much this morning.
“I am contracted to 2027,” O’Gara told Off The Ball.
“One of the things I learned from players I played with and other people who managed me is that a contract is a contract.
“I signed until 2027 and unless I get fired, I’ll be there until 2027.”
O’Gara admitted that he, like all Munster supporters, is keen to know the reasons that led to Rowntree leaving his position just six games into the new season, but he remains in the dark like everyone else on the outside.
“It’s big news, obviously, because it doesn’t happen very often,” the ex-out-half continued.
“When something like that happens, everyone is obviously taken by surprise and wants to know what happened, and I would be in that category too.”
With O’Gara’s deal as La Rochelle boss due to expire following the 2027 World Cup, the Cork native once again made it clear that he is hoping to then land an international job.
O’Gara has been tipped as a possible successor to Andy Farrell, whose current contract as Ireland head coach runs until 2027.
“Yeah, of course, because it’s the highest level of the game, Test rugby,” O’Gara added.
“There is a drive inside you to coach Ireland or one of the best countries in the world that you could win a World Cup with.
“That’s always been a goal for me. I have always been short-term focused and it’s worked well for me. I enjoy that, I enjoy the journey.
“I dream a lot. I know what I’m doing this week, next month and the rest of it takes care of itself.”