‘I’d prefer Ireland, England or France’ – O’Gara not keen on Wales job

Ronan O’Gara says there are international rugby jobs he would “bite people’s hands off for” – but the Wales role is seemingly not among them.

Former Ireland international O’Gara has impressed in his first head coaching role with La Rochelle, guiding the French side to successive Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. 

He is under contract with La Rochelle until 2027, but has his sights on an international move in the future.

“That usually works itself out if you’re good enough at your club. You’ve got to have those ambitions, I think, because you want to be the best you can be.”

Among the current top international head coaches, Warren Gatland’s position as Wales boss looks the most uncertain.

Wales have lost their last 12 matches in a row and Gatland has just six wins from 24 games since returning to the job in December 2022.

Asked if he could be a contender to take over Wales if Gatland departs, O’Gara said: “I haven’t thought about that, to be honest with you.

“Without lacking humility, I’d prefer Ireland, England or France.”

O’Gara will look to improve his stock further with another Champions Cup win this season.

La Rochelle next face Bristol Bears and O’Gara is seeking more consistency from his side, who are sixth in the Top 14 with six wins and five defeats from 11 matches.

“In France, I’m seen as very demanding and difficult because of the standards I try and keep, but I just want players to try and experience what I did,” said O’Gara.

“I got so much out of the game. It gave me wonderful emotions and now I want to really try and give back.

“We have only won Europe twice. We’ve never won a Bouclier (Top 14 title), so the attraction, determination and the carrot is huge.

“There are some really good people and really good players in this club. You try and inspire them.

“But at the minute, we are terribly inconsistent. We need to get our game going for 60 minutes, never mind 80. If we are good for 60, we will win a lot of games.”