Ronan O'Gara is set to sign a three-year contract to become the La Rochelle backs coach, according to reports in France.

The Top 14 club, who lost to Clermont Auvergne in the European Challenge Cup final last Friday night, are expected to announce O'Gara as a replacement for Xavier Garbajosa, who left the club today.

In a statement, the club said that Director of Rugby Jono Gibbes will comment on his coaching staff at the end of the season.

O'Gara has spent the last two seasons working as the backs coach with the Crusaders in Super Rugby. The New Zealand giants won the Super Rugby title in 2018 and are very much in contention to win a third consecutive crown this year.

Prior to that, O'Gara spent four seasons as an assistant coach with Racing 92. The Munster and Ireland legend started out as a kicking coach before progressing to defence coach.

He had been linked with a position with the French national team as well as a possible return to Munster, but he now looks set for a return to the Top 14 next season.

Online Editors