When Ronan O'Gara picked up the phone to Jack Crowley about the possibility of bringing him to France, the Munster legend had an idea what the 21-year-old might say.
"I was all excited about calling him on the Sunday," O'Gara explained on Thursday's OTB AM of his attempt to recruit Crowley, "thinking that there's absolutely no chance this guy is going to turn me down.
"Then, BANG, what a defeat, it was crushing. I wanted him, big time and I thought it would be really good for his development, but my calling card wasn't strong enough obviously and I was back in my box."
So, how excited should Munster and Ireland fans be about Jack Crowley? Although there are no certainties, O'Gara explained what it is about the fly-half that made him "desperate" to sign him up.
"It is only my opinion," O'Gara began, "but I'd like to think I have an eye for what's required in that position."
One among a number of promising youngsters making their way through at Munster, Jack Crowley has some international experience playing with Ireland's U20s.
A fly-half like O'Gara, the La Rochelle Head Coach admitted that his faith in Crowley's promise goes beyond what the 21-year-old possesses in terms of his physical attributes.
"The most important thing I think is what's upstairs," O'Gara explained. "Mentally, what has he?
"Obviously, so much of this has to remain private, but I think this guy has the capacity physically, but more importantly mentally, to succeed in a position where it will be a rollercoaster of emotions."
Without wishing to burden the young player with too much expectations, it goes without saying that Ronan O'Gara remains a big fan and the shared futures of Ireland and Munster may be better off that Crowley has decided for the time being to remain closer to home.
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