Peter O'Mahony: Ronan O'Gara in the mix for Leinster 'logical' move for the IRFU

Michael Bolton

Peter O'Mahony says it is logical for his former Ireland and Munster teammate Ronan O'Gara to be in the mix for the role of Leinster head coach at the end of next season.

After 12 years in charge, Leo Cullen announced he will be stepping down at the end of the 2027 season.

O'Gara, who has enjoyed success in France, which has included two Champions Cup titles with wins over Leinster in the finals, has been among the big names linked to the job.

The idea of one of Munster's greatest players managing their biggest rivals is a bizarre one to some fans and former players.

While that idea is also one O'Mahony would find strange at first, he can see the logic behind the interest.

“It would be a weird one, to be fair.

"It would be strange to see him in [Leinster colours], but the logic says exactly what David Humphreys says.

“Rog knows better than anyone that, first and foremost, you are dealing with a seriously good team to coach, and he will also have an ambition to come back to Ireland, I would imagine, and someday end up in an Irish management role with the national team.

“Given the history, and the tendencies of the IRFU, they normally promote from within the country. Andy [Farrell] was the defensive coach, Paul [O’Connell] is Paul, Fogs [John Fogarty] came through Leinster, Goody [Andrew Goodman] came through Leinster, so they like to promote guys who are in the system.

“It would be a huge job for him to take over at Leinster, but it would be a pathway, I would imagine, to what is a goal for him to coach the national team. So a very logical way of looking at things from an IRFU point of view would certainly be to have Ronan as a candidate for that job.”

O'Mahony was speaking as Ireland prepares for their second Nations Championship game against Japan this Saturday, following their thrilling win over Australia last weekend.

There are debuts for Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Ilio, and Bryn Ward, who will all be hoping to impress with a visit to the All Blacks next weekend.

With few chances remaining to impress before the World Cup next year, O'Mahony does not see this as a last-chance opportunity for players to stake their claim.

"It’s something Andy [Farrell] has always been very upfront with, that if you’re playing well, you’re going to be in with a shout.

“Your first cap is up there with one of the ones you’ll hold dearest when you get to my position at the end of your career and look back on things. They’ve [new caps Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward] all been picked because they’ve got very specific attributes that can make a difference to the Irish jersey.

“I don’t know if it’s a last shot. Andy is always good at picking games for certain people that he would have earmarked. This is a full-on competition now, it’s not a tour anymore. There are points at stake on the log. It’s imperative that Ireland win at the weekend, first and foremost.

“He doesn’t hand out caps, and he will be putting pressure on these guys – and they will know it themselves. It’s not even putting pressure on them. They know they are getting a shot, and you have to be ready to take it."

Ireland knows all too well they cannot look past Japan, who defeated Ireland in a shock defeat during the 2019 World Cup.

Eddie Jones will be determined to cause another shock, as they go into the game once again as underdogs, as the former Munster captain says this must not be underestimated.

"There will be no fear of this group looking down the line. The Japanese are a dangerous outfit. We learned the hard way a good few years ago.

"We have had some incredible test matches with them over the years, and they are improving all the time. I don't think there is any fear of any of this group not focusing on the task in hand."

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