O'Gara keeps on driving La Rochelle

Mark Stevens talks to the former Ireland No.10 about his plans in France and what could happen next

- Mark Stevens

IN the heart of La Rochelle, where the sea meets the sky and the cries of gulls mingle with the chants of devoted rugby fans, Ronan O’Gara’s vision burns brighter than ever. The Irishman, once a maestro on the field, now commands from the sidelines, driven by a relentless ambition to carve an enduring legacy for the French club he has come to call home.

La Rochelle had already scaled heights that once seemed unattainable. Successive Champions Cup victories in 2022 and 2023 helped thrust them into the upper echelons of European rugby, whiletheir grit in the Top 14 has also earned them respect across France and beyond.

For O’Gara, though, this is just the beginning. Success, as he often says, is a moment; greatness is built over time. And in his mind, La Rochelle’s story is still very much being written.

As he sheltered himself in the warmth of Bath’s press room, away from the chaos being caused by Storm Darragh in the wake of his side’s opening win in this season’s Champions Cup last week, ambition and hunger radiated from the 47-year-old like heat from a forge.

This is a man who doesn’t just want to win, he’s clearly someone who wants to redefine what winning means for his club. Titles are milestones, yes, but his true goal is to establish a culture of excellence – a team that does not just compete, but who dominate, season after season.