O’Gara seeks Ireland or France top job

Ronan O’Gara is open to coaching France in the future, emphasising that he wants to win a Rugby World Cup with either Ireland or his adopted country.

O’Gara has spent nearly all of his coaching career in France aside from a brief spell in New Zealand with the Crusaders.

Discussing the chances of him taking over a Test side following the next Rugby World Cup in 2027, the former Ireland No 10 told RMC Radio: “I’d like to win a World Cup. I dream of winning things, whether it’s with Ireland or France − I like it.”

One potential stumbling block is the result of a referendum in 2019 among French amateur clubs regarding the possibility of hiring a foreign head coach to lead France.

At the time, 59pc of the participating clubs rejected the proposal, when Joe Schmidt and Warren Gatland, both New Zealanders, were viewed as options to replace Jacques Brunel. France instead opted for Fabien Galthie, whose contract runs until 2027, as does Andy Farrell’s with Ireland.

“I’m not French. I’m trying to prove myself and put my name into the debate. It’s possible that, for Ireland, the next coach will be from New Zealand, South Africa or Australia,” O’Gara said.

O’Gara also rejected the possibility of becoming a member of Fabien Galthie’s backroom staff with France.

“Be a member of the staff? I don’t think so. When you’ve had a taste of the No 1 position, of those responsibilities, it’s difficult (to not be in overall charge).”