Portugal Colonial - Ex-Ireland fly-half O'Gara extends deal as La Rochelle coach

O'Gara's deal was set to expire at the end of the season with the 49-year-old having been linked with the Ireland and England jobs in the past.

During his time at La Rochelle, which started in 2019, he has taken the club to a pair of Champions Cup titles and two Top 14 finals.

"My family and I are very happy and proud to continue this adventure with La Rochelle," former British and Irish Lions playmaker O'Gara said in a La Rochelle statement.

"I believe deeply in this club, its players, staff and ambition.

"We have already built a lot of things, but I'm convinced the best is still to come," he added.

O'Gara has never hidden his ambition to coach at Test level but his options have narrowed in recent months.

Andy Farrell has extended his deal with Ireland, Steve Borthwick is set to sign a new contract with England, while Fabien Galthie is locked in with France until June 2028.

In 2024, he was asked about the then vacant Wales job.

"Without lacking humility, I would prefer Ireland, England or France," O'Gara said.

"You have got to have those ambitions because you want to be the best you can be.

"There are Test jobs I would bite people's hands off for," the ex-Munster stand-off added.

La Rochelle are third in the Top 14 table after two rounds of the season having beaten champions Toulouse and edged Toulon.

A.P.Maia--PC