RONAN O’GARA WILL take part in his 10th Heineken Cup semi-final this evening in Montpelier, a remarkable record for the winner of the ERC Player of the decade 2000-2010.
He is the tournament record holder for most points and appearances with 1,360 and 109 respectively. The Cork native has reached the final four with Munster on nine occasions since 2000 but has not been to a final for five years.
Former teammate David Wallace, who won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008 alongside O’Gara believes it is fitting that the outhalf, at the tender age of 36, is still breaking records.
Wallace told TheScore.ie, “It is rare enough to play one semi-final so for Ronan to be playing in his tenth is a mark of the man.
“It goes to show how successful his career has been and what a great asset he is for his team. He has basically steered his team to these positions for well over a decade now.”
Here are three of O’Gara’s finest Heineken Cup semi-final moments:
Munster go Baa Baas on Toulouse (2000)
O’Gara scored 21 points, including a superb try, to secure a victory over Toulouse in France.
YouTube credit: Mildy Mac
Kicking the life out of Castres (2002)
The San Diegan kicked six penalties and a conversion as Castres got the ROG treatment.
Three more points from Red 10. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
A great line does for Sarries (2008)
On their way to cup glory in 2008, O’Gara jinked inside and scored a crucial try against Saracens.
(Credit: Imgur)
O’Gara also ran in a great try to help defeat Leinster in 2006. You can watch our GIF tribute to that magical moment by clicking here>>>
TheScore.ie will be liveblogging Clermont v Munster from 5:30pm today.
