Photo via BBC Sport

O'Gara extends La Rochelle contract until 2031

Ronan O'Gara has agreed to a long-term commitment that will retain him as La Rochelle's head coach through 2031. The ex-Ireland fly-half first joined the French organisation in 2019 following previous coaching stints with the Crusaders in New Zealand and domestic counterparts Racing 92.

After finishing as runners-up in the 2021 European Champions Cup decider, he committed his future to the side and subsequently led them to successive continental titles in 2022 and 2023, representing the maiden major trophies in the team's history. Speaking on the team's official site, O'Gara voiced his pride and delight, noting that he retains total faith in the squad's ambition and remains convinced that their finest moments lie in the future.

The announcement comes amid a positive opening to the fresh Top 14 campaign, where La Rochelle defeated Toulouse in their opener prior to edging Toulon 21-20 on the road, with an upcoming fixture against Racing 92 scheduled for Saturday. These victories follow a testing previous term in which they placed sixth in the regular league phase, secured qualification for the Investec Champions Cup, and exited the Top 14 quarter-finals against Stade Francais.

During that same campaign, they transitioned into the Challenge Cup before suffering a quarter-final exit against Ulster.