O’Gara confirms Crusaders talks
Ronan O’Gara cut an uncomfortable figure as he admitted to talks with the Crusaders during the Irish television build-up to their test against South Africa on Sunday (NZ time).
Reports of the 130-test retired Irish first five-eighth’s potential move came to light in Irish media on Friday (Saturday, NZ time).
The cited a source from the Irish Rugby Union that there was a ‘‘99 per cent’’ chance O’Gara would make the move.
It suggested the Crusaders have tabled a two-year offer to the Irishman.
O’Gara was on panel in their pre-match coverage for Ireland’s test against South Africa, which Ireland won 38-3, on Sunday morning, his first public appearance since the news broke.
The former Irish playmaker, who is contracted to Racing 92 until July 2019, attempted to dance around the topic.
‘‘The horse has bolted big time with the story. It is not accurate,’’ he said.
But when pressed if there was anything in the story, O’Gara admitted there had been talks about the move between the Crusaders and Racing 92.
‘‘Communication has started between the clubs, but there are a lot of fences to jump,’’ he said.
‘‘There has been contact there, I am not going to run away from it.
‘‘But also you have to respect that I am really enjoying what has been going on in Paris.
‘‘You have to take it from my point of view that I have to work there on Monday morning, so let’s wait and see.’’
The Crusaders are in search for a new backs coach after the departure of Leon MacDonald, who re-committed to coaching Tasman.
If O’Gara were to complete the move, he would join Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar in leading the backs division of the defending Super Rugby champions.