Ronan O'Gara has lauded the appointment of John Fogarty to the Ireland backroom team after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Fogarty was this morning confirmed as the new Ireland scrum coach, replacing Greg Feek who is moving to Japanese side Ricoh.

He will also take up the role of IRFU National Academy Forwards Coach from 1 July and brings four years experience with Leinster to the role.

The former hooker, who's originally from Cork, played for Munster, Connacht and Leinster and he earned his first test cap against New Zeland in 2010.

He retired later that year after suffering multiple concussions.

Speaking on Monday's OTB AM, O'Gara said he was not surprised by the appointment because of the quality of coach Fogarty has developed into.

"He works extremely hard, he's a dilligent guy," he said. "He's hugely motivated. A sharp cookie. The boys are really going to like him.

"I think he has a great personality. He can take in so much of what the players are saying and filter that to give his message.

"He's a hugely driven guy and it's a proud day for him and his family."

John Fogarty runs at Ronan O'Gara.

He added: "It's an Andy Farrell appointment, so credit must go to him too. He's looking all around the world for people he wants and he's decided on an Irishman to fill [the role].

"Those are huge boots to fill. Greg Feek is a master of the scrum and appreciating what goes on in the scrum.

"It's only when you spend your whole week focused on rugby do you really appreciate what Feeky brings to the whole set-up.

"It's great news. I actually won an AIL medal with Fogs in [Cork] Con. He's a good Rockwell boy.

"He's had marbles in his mouth now that he's in Leinster."

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