Ronan O'Gara is set for an enhanced role at La Rochelle after committing his future to the club.
The former Munster and Ireland out-half says he's "extremely proud" to have signed a new three year contract with the Top 14 title contenders.
As well as continuing as head-coach, O'Gara will also be directing rugby operations at the club after Jonno Gibbes departs for Clermont this summer.
The 44-year-old enjoys a strong relationship with the club's owners and has thanked them for having confidence in him ahead of a crucial few weeks for the side.
#OFFICIEL ⚠️Jono Gibbes jusqu’en juin 2024 ⚠️
Dès le mois de juillet, Jono Gibbes, champion de France avec l’ASM Clermont Auvergne en 2017, fera son retour au club en tant qu’entraîneur principal #YellowArmy
👉https://t.co/iuSPW3DztL pic.twitter.com/pFaQNJi5nr
— ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) April 22, 2021
The ex Leinster forwards coach and Ulster coach Gibbes has been released early from his La Rochelle contract to return to Clermont this summer, after agreeing a three-year deal.
"We are very happy to have found a trainer of Jono's caliber in order to guarantee our sporting ambitions during the coming seasons", Clermont president Jean-Michel Guillon said of his new coach.
“He knows our club well, its players and how it works, he has already had success before gaining more experience at Ulster and La Rochelle.
"His high standards and professionalism have been evident this year through La Rochelle's remarkable season in both competitions, and he will assume office this summer.
"We are very happy to have found in Jono Gibbes the person capable of embodying the ambitious future of the club in the years to come. "
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