Ronan O’Gara Has His Say On Andy Farrell’s Appointment

Ronan O’Gara has backed the IRFU in their move to bring in former England coach Andy Farrell as their new defence coach.

O’Gara himself  had been linked with the role following Ireland’s Rugby World Cup exit but is clearly pleased with the man chosen to replace Les Kiss after the Six Nations.

Speaking on Game On on 2FM, O’Gara outlined how he believed Farrell would fit into the system and how his presence would be even more important given the retirement of Paul O’Connell last year.

“I was shocked to hear he was 40, he’s been coaching a long time. I think he started playing league when he was 16 and he put a lot into both his careers and now his coaching career with England, Lions, Ireland… he’s very much competing at the elite level,” he said

“He must be excellent.

“I’ve only played against him, Munster against Saracens.  I don’t know much about his philosophy or what his beliefs are but he’s a born winner, he’s a competitor.

“It’ll be great in the fact that with Paul O’Connell going, he has presence and he’s a hard nut, he’ll intimidate people and he’ll intimidate opposing teams and I think people will buy into what he believes in.”

Some people have voiced their concern over the appointment, especially given the nature of England’s world cup exit and the Farrell’s ties to the Burgess saga.

“We can be reading a lot into a decision to back an ex-rugby league player to start for England against Wales. I don’t think that decision cost England the game. There were many opportunities to win the game,” he added.

“There were different reports and different perceptions about him but only the English players know exactly what went on so it’s better that they speak about that.

“From an Irish players point of view, I think it’s a great coup for them because I think as a player as that level, everyone gets doubts and someone like that will leave you with know doubts, he’ll fill you with confidence.

“He’ll have set goals for the team and I think he’ll get a huge amount out of the 23-28 year olds and that is a crucial point for people to be peaking at on the international stage.

“It’s a masterstroke from the union.”

Source: Independent.ie