O’Gara open to higher coaching opportunities

If 20 years around professional rugby environments have taught Ronan O’Gara anything, it’s that you never rule anything out.

That’s why the former Irish playmaker, who was capped 128 times for his nation, won’t discount the possibility of applying for the Crusaders’ head coaching job should Scott Robertson end up All Blacks coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

O’Gara, 41, is in his second season as assistant backs coach with the Crusaders and could be in an interesting position later this year, depending on how the All Blacks’ head coaching chips fall when Steve Hansen finishes up after the global tournament.

Should Robertson, who is contracted to New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders to the end of 2021, steer the red-and-blacks to a third straight Super Rugby title this year, he would have to be in consideration for an interview with the All Blacks.

With fellow Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar off to Welsh club Scarlets at the end of the season, it might be a case of right time, right place for O’Gara, should NZR swoop for Robertson.

O’Gara is contracted with the Crusaders to the end of 2019 and was non-committal when asked whether the top job might appeal.

‘‘Everything is possible. I’m ambitious and competitive, but I think the most important thing is if I do my job then these things look after themselves . . .

‘‘It would be something you’d aspire to do, but maybe the timing at this stage might be a bit soon. Some people might think differently.’’

O’Gara said there were a variety of possibilities and even mentioned how enticing an All Blacks assistant coaching role would be if Robertson was head coach.

O’Gara stressed any decision around his coaching future in New Zealand would depend on wife Jessica and their five children, who have given up a lot to chase his rugby dreams.

‘‘If it was my decision I’d know where I want to be. You have to stop being selfish some day and be realistic.

‘‘Believe me, it comes up at the dinner table a lot.’’