Ireland’s most capped international, Ronan O’Gara, has admitted he didn’t enjoy rugby for the bulk of his career.
In a fascinating and in-depth interview in today’s Irish Times, the Munster out-half talks at length about his desire to battle Jonny Sexton for the number 10 for the foreseeable future but it is another admission that stands out.
“It’s only in the last two years that I have enjoyed rugby. I didn’t really enjoy it for the first 10 or 11 (years) in terms of putting myself under too much pressure and stress,” said the man who turns 35 next week.
For somebody who had so much success in that period, for province and country, it hard to fathom how he coped with it all so well if he really didn’t enjoy it.
“I have come across players coming to the end of their careers and they are delusional. You have to be honest. I’ve probably played better in the last 18 months than 10 years ago. That gives me huge satisfaction, irrespective of whether I get picked or not.”
Ah yes, selection. O’Gara’s form for Munster has been sensational this season and he has no intention of just letting Jonny Sexton take over as Ireland’s out-half yet either.
“If I had one eye on the future and I was happy to be number two, happy to sit on the bench – I think that time might come in 18 or 24 months’ time – but not at the minute,” he said. “I train every day with the boys and feel that there is not much in it. I have to give myself the best possible chance. Whatever I do I do with 100 per cent commitment.
“I don’t suffer from lack of motivation or challenges. I have to put myself forward for selection as best I can. There’s good enjoyment in the camp. I did have a slow start in terms of (my relationship with) Johnny (Sexton) but now there is good banter between us.”
We bet here is ROG. And by the sounds of it we are going to have this ‘Number 10’ debate for good while longer too.
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