Former New Zealand and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw has said that he’s only heard very positive reports about Ronan O’Gara at the Christchurch based club.
O’Gara joined the Super Rugby champions late last year as an assistant to head coach Scott Robertson and helped contribute to the joint best attack in the league with the Crusaders tied with the Lions in tries scored with 77 tries in 16 regular season games.
McCaw said that O’Gara would have taken a while to find his feet in Canterbury but that he now has real respect among the playing and coaching staff.
“I think firstly you’ve got to take your hat off to Ronan for making the decision to go and try something completely different,” said McCaw.
“He obviously had a long way to go to come to Christchurch and usually you’d have Kiwis coming up to this part of the world but he’s obviously a top bloke and he’s fitted in extremely well from what I’ve heard at the Crusaders.
“Would have taken him a while to find his feet but from what I hear from Scott Robertson and a couple of the players is that his input has been spot on and invaluable.
“He joined a setup that managed to defend the title in Super Rugby so it’s not a bad one to have on your resume is it?”
During the summer O’Gara extended his contract with the Crusaders until the end of the 2019 season and the former Munster fly-half said that he was blown away by the professionalism of the nine-time Super Rugby champions.
“I’m delighted to be extending my contract for another season,” O’Gara said.
“I have always been an admirer of rugby in New Zealand and to get the opportunity to work with a club like the Crusaders is a fantastic experience.
“Besides being a great bunch of guys to work with, the professionalism of everyone associated with the club is incredible. It’s no wonder this part of the world has the success they do. I’m delighted my wife and family have come on this journey with me and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone again next season.”
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson brought O’Gara on board at the club and said that the former Racing assistant brings fresh eyes and knowledge to the club’s coaching group.
“Ronan’s coaching style has been hugely valuable to us in just his first season with the club. He has quickly formed great relationships with our playing group, and has effective means of passing on his knowledge which really resonates with the team.
“We hoped at the start of the season that Ronan would provide us with a new perspective in 2018, and he has done exactly that. He brings fresh eyes and knowledge to the coaching group and we are certainly seeing the benefits of his extensive skillset and experience.
“We’re pleased that Ronan and his family are settled in Christchurch and he’ll continue his important contribution in 2019.”
AIG Ambassador, Richie McCaw was speaking ahead of the All Blacks visit to Ireland. The All Blacks will take on Ireland in Dublin on Saturday 17th November 2018. AIG is proud sponsor of the New Zealand All Blacks.
