O’Gara backed for England role
Former England first five-eighth Stuart Barnes believes Eddie Jones should turn to Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O’Gara if defence coach Paul Gustard departs ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
In a column for The Times, Barnes hailed O’Gara as ‘‘one of the sharpest brains’’ in rugby and said he would add edge, intelligence and understanding to the England environment.
‘‘Nothing would be more invaluable to Jones than the culture of the Kiwi game O’Gara breathes in every minute spent on the South Island as a Crusaders coach,’’ Barnes wrote.
His endorsement for O’Gara, who played 128 times for Ireland, comes amid increased speculation that England defence coach Gustard is set to be named as Harlequins’ new head of rugby.
‘‘The Super Rugby season ends on August 4, which would leave the Irishman a year to make his mark in the England ranks,’’ Barnes wrote.
‘‘Plenty of time. When Jones was enlisted to help his mate, Jake White, win the 2007 World Cup for South Africa, the clock had ticked much further towards the tournament’s commencement. He too arrived with his new country in August, but in World Cup year, just a month before the competition.
‘‘After the South African success, the fresh perspective of Jones was highly praised.
‘‘A different way of looking at the game is exactly what O’Gara would bring England. And not just in defence. To be a defence coach, one needs to understand the danger of the attacking threat and vice versa.
‘‘O’Gara could kill a whole flock of birds with one stone.’’
In his role with the Crusaders, O’Gara works closely with the outside backs, looks after the counter-attack and kicking plans and assists head coach Scott Robertson with the defence.