RONAN O’GARA BELIEVES Jonny Sexton’s decision to return to Ireland and join Leinster at the end of the season is a logical one as the 29-year-old looks to ensure his family’s happiness, as well as prolonging his career.
Munster legend O’Gara joined Racing Métro at the same time as Sexton at the beginning of last season and has acted as an assistant coach to Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers since.
The 128-times capped Ireland international has another two years left on his own Racing contract, and has grown closer to Sexton in their shared time in Paris. That relationship meant he knew about this decision for some time.
Speaking to RTÉ 2FM’s Game On this evening, O’Gara explained his thoughts on Sexton electing to move back to Ireland at the end of the season.
I’d obviously be very close to Jonny and I knew exactly what was going on. He’d confide in me and I’d confide in him a lot over the last few years. So I was well aware, I suppose, months ago.
“For me, it’s probably the logical decision because he’s one of the best players in Ireland. The best players from Ireland should be playing in Ireland, so from that point of view I think everyone will be happy.
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O'Gara and Sexton in action for Ireland in 2011. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
“It’s obviously a great signing for Leinster. I’d be disappointed as a coach of Racing to be losing a player of his calibre because they’re very hard to find.”
O’Gara told host Hugh Cahill that Sexton’s decision took into account his young child, Luca, with he and wife Laura feeling that their “support network” was somewhat missing in Paris as they dealt with being parents for the first time.
In rugby terms, O’Gara believes the lure of playing for home province Leinster again was too strong for Sexton to resist, something the Cork native completely understands.
For me, it makes perfect sense,” said O’Gara. “It’s something special playing for your province, it probably takes going away to appreciate that. I’m glad I never did that and I think Jonny can see that now.
“There’s a reason people play for Munster, Ulster and Leinster – it’s because they’re supported like no other team. I think as a sporting person, you only get 10 years to do that and you’ve got to make the most of it.
“It’s a professional sport, but playing for your province is a passion and a dream come true, it means something to you. I think that’s what Jonny needs and he’s made huge sacrifices coming here. He’ll return a better person and a better player I believe.
O'Gara is an influential part of Racing's backroom staff. The Image Gate
The Image Gate
O’Gara outlined that Sexton had endured some “difficult” times upon arriving in Paris, after making a decision to leave Ireland that “took balls.” That said, the Racing coach was keen to point out that Sexton has enjoyed some “brilliant days” with the club too.
However, the IRFU’s enticing contract offer to Sexton was impossible to resist and O’Gara feels confirmation of a return to Leinster is the best outcome for Irish rugby.
“Irish players are exceptionally well looked after and it will prolong his career, no doubt about it,” said O’Gara. “Essentially, he will make himself and his family happier by playing in Leinster and that’s what it’s about.
“Money is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all, happiness is. Success with people you really care about is special too.”
Listen to the full interview with Ronan O’Gara here. Keep up up to date with 2FM’s Game On by following them on Twitter.
Sexton's return to Ireland a 'logical decision,' says Ronan O'Gara
RONAN O’GARA BELIEVES Jonny Sexton’s decision to return to Ireland and join Leinster at the end of the season is a logical one as the 29-year-old looks to ensure his family’s happiness, as well as prolonging his career.
Munster legend O’Gara joined Racing Métro at the same time as Sexton at the beginning of last season and has acted as an assistant coach to Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers since.
The 128-times capped Ireland international has another two years left on his own Racing contract, and has grown closer to Sexton in their shared time in Paris. That relationship meant he knew about this decision for some time.
Speaking to RTÉ 2FM’s Game On this evening, O’Gara explained his thoughts on Sexton electing to move back to Ireland at the end of the season.
“For me, it’s probably the logical decision because he’s one of the best players in Ireland. The best players from Ireland should be playing in Ireland, so from that point of view I think everyone will be happy.
“It’s obviously a great signing for Leinster. I’d be disappointed as a coach of Racing to be losing a player of his calibre because they’re very hard to find.”
O’Gara told host Hugh Cahill that Sexton’s decision took into account his young child, Luca, with he and wife Laura feeling that their “support network” was somewhat missing in Paris as they dealt with being parents for the first time.
In rugby terms, O’Gara believes the lure of playing for home province Leinster again was too strong for Sexton to resist, something the Cork native completely understands.
“There’s a reason people play for Munster, Ulster and Leinster – it’s because they’re supported like no other team. I think as a sporting person, you only get 10 years to do that and you’ve got to make the most of it.
“It’s a professional sport, but playing for your province is a passion and a dream come true, it means something to you. I think that’s what Jonny needs and he’s made huge sacrifices coming here. He’ll return a better person and a better player I believe.
O’Gara outlined that Sexton had endured some “difficult” times upon arriving in Paris, after making a decision to leave Ireland that “took balls.” That said, the Racing coach was keen to point out that Sexton has enjoyed some “brilliant days” with the club too.
However, the IRFU’s enticing contract offer to Sexton was impossible to resist and O’Gara feels confirmation of a return to Leinster is the best outcome for Irish rugby.
“Irish players are exceptionally well looked after and it will prolong his career, no doubt about it,” said O’Gara. “Essentially, he will make himself and his family happier by playing in Leinster and that’s what it’s about.
“Money is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all, happiness is. Success with people you really care about is special too.”
Listen to the full interview with Ronan O’Gara here. Keep up up to date with 2FM’s Game On by following them on Twitter.
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