Former Ireland out-half Ronan O'Gara says he is excited for Andy Farrell's arrival but says Ireland's approach to Rugby World Cup competition must change.
Ireland's defence coach Andy Farrell takes the reigns from the departed Joe Schmidt, starting with Ireland's 2020 Six Nations campaign.
The Irish record points scorer joined Sunday's Off The Ball with Neil Treacy to review the 2019 World Cup.
O'Gara believes the negative feeling after Ireland's poor World Cup campaign must be eradicated from the player's mindset.
The Munster man says the Champions Cup will serve as a positive distraction for Ireland's international players.
"Yeah, it's going to be really exciting, I think.
"There's a massive amount of doom and gloom but rightly so and that will pass. It goes to Europe now and that'll be a new lease of life," the Munster legend said.
The former Cork Constitution man says Farrell's presence as defensive coach has built a healthy atmosphere amongst the players. He believes the former Rugby League player's tenure as head coach will be a fun rugby environment for the squad.
"I think he has a great aura about him; a great presence around him. I think he'll create a fun environment for the boys."
La Rochelle's head coach was involved in three World Cup campaigns for Ireland and believes the preparation leading towards World Cup tournaments must change if Ireland are to ever venture past a quarter-final.
O'Gara says Ireland must abandon their current preparation and tactical approach in order to achieve success in future competitions.
"There has to be a reaction. There's always been a reaction.
"I think there are some massively important take-aways from the Rugby World Cup 2019 for Ireland, and unless we treat them with the importance that they merit, nothing will change but something has to change because I think for at least eight years now, a huge amount of importance has been given to Rugby World Cups but they've been hugely disappointing - dismal in fact."
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