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Jason Hennessy

Jason is the editor here at RugbyLAD and a proud Limerick man.

Latest posts by Jason Hennessy (see all)

• Warren Gatland Named Lions 2025 Head Coach With Tour Captain Also Announced - April 1, 2023
• Uncapped Player Set For Ireland Call-Up Following Injury Concern - January 30, 2023
• Shocking High Tackle Not Picked Up By Match Officials In Munster Vs Toulouse Game - January 23, 2023

Beautiful.

Former Munster and Ireland outhalf Ronan O’Gara has defended the use of box-kicks in rugby, a tactic that many have said is overused by a lot of teams currently.

Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray is widely regarded as one of the best box-kickers in world rugby, but hasn’t struggled with form since returning from a lengthy lay-off with a neck injury that kept him out for nearly six months.

As a result Ireland’s box-kicking game has struggled, with fans and pundits alike getting frustrated with Ireland’s overuse of the tactic. But O’Gara says he’s a fan of the box-kick, although he does think it is overplayed.

“Yes I do like it.” O’Gara said on Virgin Media One.

“It’s overplayed most definitely, but when it’s done well, it’s simply beautiful, and very effective.”

But what does O’Gara mean by “beautiful”?

“[It’s] beautiful if you want to win games. Which we all want to do.”

“I’m not here to [entertain]. It would be great to entertain, but it would be better to win!

Shane Jennings was also asked about box-kicks to which he replied “I don’t think too much about it” but added that he appreciates where O’Gara comes from. He feels having someone that can do it, and do it well can “take the heat-off” and allow teams to exit well. Have a watch below.