 |
Ronan O'Gara |
| Club / Province: |
Cork Con/Munster |
| Position: |
Outhalf |
| Date of Birth: |
7/3/77 |
| Height: |
1.83m |
| Weight: |
83Kg |
| Honours: |
116 caps
Debut 2000 v Scotland |
Born in the USA, in his early years, Ronan enjoyed considerable domestic success with Presentation College Cork and UCC. O’Gara was a member of the Ireland U21 team that won the triple crown in 99, and the following year he made his senior International debut against Scotland at Lansdowne Road, kicking two penalties and two conversions. O’Gara has twice been a tourist with the Lions (Australia - 2001 and New Zealand - 2005). He shared the Irish number ten shirt with David Humphreys before finally establishing control for the 2004 Six Nations campaign and since has remained Ireland’s first choice outhalf. A senior member of Munsters 06 & 08 Heineken cup winning sides, O’Gara can be relied on to produce the big performances on the big stage. A disappointing World Cup was confined to history when O’Gara proved his worth in the red of his beloved Munster where his form soon returned and in typical O’Gara style he answered his critics on the field.
2010 saw the emergence of Jonny Sexton as competition for the Irish number 10 jersey, however O'Garas experience and class was relied upon against England when he came on as a replacement after 70 minutes to break the 13-13 deadlock and steer Ireland to a fantastic 16-20 victory
The Magnitude of Ronan O'Gara's Contribution - To date
Triple Crown and Grand Slam achievements:
England won the first Triple Crown in 1883 and has won 23 in total (In 126 years)
Ireland has won 10 and four of them in this century, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 (Inc Grand Slam)
Only three players have started in all of the games for these special wins.14 games
Brian O'Driscoll, UCD - Leinster and Irish Captain for all the games
John Hayes, Bruff and Munster
Ronan O'Gara, Cork Constitution and Munster
O'Gara became the first Irish player to break the 1,000 points barrier.
100th Test cap against Argentina in November 2010
Member of 2011 RWC squad