Ronan O'Gara
Ireland's third most-capped player and second highest points scorer, who kicked the match-winning drop goal in the 78th minute of the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam decider.
Ronan John Ross O'Gara (born 7 March 1977) is an Irish rugby union coach and former player. O'Gara played as a fly-half and is Ireland's third most-capped player and second highest points scorer. He is head coach of La Rochelle in the French Top 14.
- Role
- Fly-half / Kicker
- Affiliation
- Ireland National Team
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
O'Gara won 128 caps for Ireland, winning three Triple Crowns and the Grand Slam in 2009. He also played on three British & Irish Lions tours, winning two caps. He played for sixteen seasons with Munster, with whom he won two Heineken Cups. O'Gara is the tenth most-capped and is the sixth highest points scorer in the history of test rugby. He is also Munster's all-time leading scorer, and holds the Heineken Cup record for points and caps. O'Gara scored several match-winning drop goals for Munster and Ireland, including in the 78th minute of the Wales vs Ireland match in the 2009 Six Nations Championship, in which Ireland won the Grand Slam.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down on the pitch, blurring the lines between the grass and the mud. With minutes ticking away and Ireland needing a single point to seal the Grand Slam, Ronan stepped up. The noise of the stadium faded into a distant hum as he placed the ball on the tee. He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto the posts through the grey mist. One step back, two steps forward, and then silence—until the ball sailed true, cutting through the wet air to land between the uprights. The roar that followed was not just for the points, but for the man who had delivered again.
Reader's Guide
Since his retirement from playing, O'Gara has undertaken a coaching career. O'Gara began coaching in 2013 with French club Racing 92 as the club's defence coach before becoming the assistant defence coach of the New Zealand club Crusaders in 2018. The Crusaders would win two Super Rugby titles while O'Gara was a member of their coaching team. O'Gara took up his first head coach role in 2019 when he returned to France and was announced as the new coach of Stade Rochelais. Since taking over as head coach, O'Gara has guided La Rochelle to three European Cup finals, the second of which in the 2022 final they beat Leinster to claim the club's first ever major silverware, with a repeat performance in Dublin in the 2023 final.
Did You Know?
- O'Gara was born in San Diego, California, where his father was working as a post-doctoral fellow in microbiology.
- He attended Presentation Brothers College, Cork, where he won a Junior Cup medal in 1992 and a Senior Cup medal in 1995.
- O'Gara turned down the chance to join the NFL's Miami Dolphins in March 2003.
- He became the first player to score 1,000 points in the Heineken Cup in December 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ronan O'Gara?
He is a retired Irish rugby union coach and former fly-half known for his exceptional kicking ability. O'Gara earned 128 caps for Ireland, making him their third most-capped player of all time.
What position did Ronan O'Gara play?
O'Gara operated primarily as a fly-half and kicker, controlling the game's tempo with ice-cool precision. His masterful boot was instrumental in leading Ireland to significant victories during his career.
What major titles did he win with Ireland?
He secured three Triple Crowns and achieved the prestigious Grand Slam title in 2009 while representing his country. Additionally, he stands as the second highest points scorer in Irish rugby history.
Did Ronan O'Gara score any famous drop goals?
Yes, he scored several match-winning drop goals, most notably in the 78th minute against Wales during the 2009 Six Nations Championship. This specific kick helped secure Ireland's Grand Slam victory that year.
How does O'Gara rank in world rugby history?
In the history of test rugby, O'Gara is ranked as the tenth most-capped player and sixth highest points scorer overall. His legacy remains defined by his clutch performances under pressure.
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