Geordan Murphy: "I would love to see Ronan O’Gara at Leinster"

Former Naas RFC man, Geordan Murphy, now Director of Rugby at English club Leicester said that he would love to see Ronan O’Gara succeed Leo Cullen as Head Coach of Leinster when he departs the post at the end of the 2026/27 season.

The former Irish international said he didn’t believe that O’Gara’s strong Munster links should preclude him for the job.

“I think it has gone way beyond that now. And so it should. I think Rog is a fantastic coach and I would love to see him up in Dublin. I don't think it would be an issue for him.

“Yes, he was a proud Munsterman as a player, but you know, since then he’s been around the world, he's coached at the Crusaders, he's coached La Rochelle. I don't think he'd have an issue with stepping in. He’s a very reformed character too. I know him well and get on with him very well. I have a lot of time for him,” said Murphy.

Cullen’s successor is sure to be a hot topic in Irish rugby in the coming months but one man who is going nowhere is Andy Farrell after he recently signed a contract to remain as Ireland’s Head Coach until 2031.

“It’s great news. All his comments have been about how happy he is in Ireland, how much he loves the job, likes the people, and is settled, and he is doing a fantastic job.

“The thing I'm really impressed with, and I find amazing having played against him and coached against him, is that you don't ever hear anyone say anything bad about him.

“He’s just an incredibly good bloke.

“His youngest son is in Blackrock College now; he’s 16 or 17. I'd like to see him playing for Ireland and that would be a fantastic end to the story!” said Murphy.

After beating Australia in the opening game of the Nations Championship last weekend, Ireland play Japan on Saturday but Murphy is already looking forward to the third game on the following weekend against New Zealand.

“They’d expect to get a win against Japan. Then they go to New Zealand, which is always going to be challenging. They just know how to win. But so do Ireland.

“Being at Eden Park helps Ireland. They have won there; whereas down in Christchurch or Dunedin it can be more challenging with the weather.

“I think Ireland will really go after that game. It’ll be a great Test match, especially off the back of the All Blacks just pipping France,” said Murphy.

While there has been some criticism of the inaugural Nations Championship, Murphy feels the competition is crucial if Ireland have serious World Cup aspirations. Experience of playing those teams, and beating them, is hugely important for Ireland’s hopes.

“That is what Ireland have to do,” said Murphy.

“It is what England did back in 2003, hitting the road in the southern hemisphere and winning against both Australia and New Zealand in the build-up to the tournament.

“Ireland need to consistently show they can do that. This Irish team has a very different mindset to the teams that I grew up watching. Now they're expecting to win every game, they're going after every game, and they're playing with great intensity and playing some really nice rugby as well.

“If you have aspirations of being World Cup contenders, Ireland must be looking to win games against New Zealand next week. Remember, Ireland haven’t ever got past the quarter-finals.

“That is a cold hard fact. To win a World Cup you have got to beat New Zealand, you have got to beat Australia. It’s about confidence and for Andy Farrell building the squad and building that winning mentality so they know that they can nick these big games.

“Ireland will have learned a lot from beating the Wallabies and overcoming adversity,” said Murphy.

Geordan Murphy was speaking to BetVictor Casino.