Rúaidhrí O'Connor says he would love to see Ireland hijack Ronan O’Gara’s rumoured move to the French National team’s management staff before the start of the World Cup.
O’Connor joined Johnny Ward on OTB'S Wednesday Night Rugby and thinks it would benefit Joe Schmidt’s side to add O’Gara to the Irish coaching mix.
“He can take pressure off Andy Farrell on the defensive side; he can work on the skills.
The former Ireland player played with a number of the current side and O'Connor says it's a "no-brainer' if there is no opposition to a potential addition.
“We hear there’s no egos in the Ireland set up. If people aren’t worried about toe’s being stepped on, why not get him in,’ stressed O’Connor.
Rumours suggest in the French media have indicated that O’Gara will sign a contract to join the Jaques Brunel’s French back room staff ahead of this year’s World Cup.
He says it would be a mistake for Irish rugby to let an asset such as O’Gara join a potential rival ahead of September’s Rugby World Cup.
" I'd like to see the IRFU come in a hijack the move.
“Why let this asset go to France? - He’s clearly in demand, and he’s clearly worth something,’ said O’Connor.
O’Connor remains uncertain if the New Zealand coach would like top add a coach to his set up ahead of the tournament.
"Whether Schmidt think what he has is fine, he probably does but I just think that would be great.
The journalist believes O’Gara wouldn’t think twice about making the move if Ireland were interested in bringing him on board.
“From his perspective it’s a no-brainer. To have that experience I talked about already, and then to go to a World Cup.”
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