IRELAND OUT HALF Ronan O’Gara insists he has no intention of retiring from international rugby after the World Cup.
The Munster man seemed to suggest in an emotional television interview with RTÉ after Saturday’s stunning 15-6 victory over Australia that his 11-year international career was about to draw to a close.
“I’m done with Ireland in a few weeks. I’ve had a great time in this jersey but I want this to be the biggest time,” he told Hugh Cahill in Eden Park.
Overnight however, O’Gara has moved to ‘clarify’ his comments by stating that he was referring to the end of the World Cup and not his own position.
“Retirement has crossed my mind plenty of times over the last few years,” he told reporters in Lake Taupo, “There are plenty of thoughts in your head when you’re disappointed but it’s losers who quit when things aren’t going so well for them.
“Retirement hasn’t entered my head seriously in that regard. I’m a fighter and I’ll keep fighting until the end.”
Here’s what O’Gara said at the weekend:
He is now adamant however that he was misinterpreted.
“On Saturday I was speaking in the context of being done with Ireland in six or seven weeks’ time in terms of this World Cup,” he said.
“I said I’m done with Ireland in a few weeks and there are different interpretations of that. It was a great night, one of my best nights. I was so proud to be part of the team.
“In my own head I’ll reassess at the end of the World Cup.”
It was pretty clear what he said. Dunno how it could be misinterpreted.
In fairness to the Irish fans out in NZ, all the players, coaching and support staff on the Irish ticket don’t need this level of distraction (or do they?) Anyway, it should be put to bed now until the tournament is finished. I agree with Michael above, it was pretty clear what was said and hard to interpret in any other way.
What a great guy. You can see the passion he has for the game and his country. He’s our most consistent out half and should be first choice. Sexton is gonna be as good if not better but he’s not there yet. O Gara is a legend. Simple as that!!!
ROG’s passion & consistency for his country has never been questioned, but his me, me, me approach since Sexton has entered the fray has been disappointing. Union is a team game, you always heard Jonny Wilkinson speak of how his forwards gave him the platform for success in 2003, while the media desperately wanted a poster boy. It’s true that Sexton was lucky to play against Oz, but ROG sounded fierce bitter afterwards. (thumb me down all you like, but you can’t deny this)