Ronan O’Gara in Contention for Leinster Head Coach Role, Says IRFU Director

Ronan O’Gara is being considered as a potential successor to Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach, according to IRFU performance director David Humphreys. Humphreys confirmed that O’Gara, a former rival for the Ireland No. 10 jersey, is among the candidates being evaluated for the role, which will become available at the end of next season.

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I met Rog two or three months ago when La Rochelle were in Belfast, and we talked about where his coaching ambitions were. He’s done what so many good coaches have done – he has left Ireland, he has got experience throughout the world, and he’s been successful. So of course I would say he’ll be a candidate for every job that comes up in Ireland.

Humphreys revealed he met with O’Gara, currently head coach of La Rochelle, a few months prior to their Challenge Cup quarter-final. He noted that O’Gara has followed a path many successful coaches take by gaining experience abroad. "He’s done what so many good coaches have done – he has left Ireland, he has got experience throughout the world, and he’s been successful," Humphreys stated. "So of course I would say he’ll be a candidate for every job that comes up in Ireland."

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We brought Stuart into Connacht for a very good reason. He’s one of the best coaches around, and you’ve seen yourself the impact that he’s made in Connacht and I think that there’s huge potential there.

Humphreys also mentioned Stuart Lancaster, the former Leinster senior coach now at Connacht, as another potential contender. He expressed optimism about Lancaster's impact at Connacht and his enjoyment of developing young players. However, Lancaster's future beyond his current two-year deal remains uncertain. Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi is also cited as a possible candidate. The recruitment process, led by Leinster in consultation with the IRFU, is complicated by the upcoming World Cup, making it challenging to secure a coach currently involved in international rugby. Humphreys acknowledged that Cullen will leave a significant legacy, with "big shoes to fill."

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He has had an unbelievable career and he will definitely be missed, and the legacy that he leaves, he will leave big shoes to fill.