Portal:Ireland/Selected biography archive/31



Ronan John Ross O'Gara (born 7 March 1977 in San Diego, California, United States) is an Irish former rugby union player, who played fly-half for both Ireland and Munster. He is Ireland's most-capped player, and the third most-capped in rugby union history. O'Gara has captained Munster, Ireland, and the British and Irish Lions and won four Triple Crowns with Ireland and two Heineken Cups with Munster. O'Gara now coaches Top 14 team Racing Métro 92 in Paris, where he lives with his wife and four children.

O'Gara is the all-time highest points scorer for Ireland, and is the fourth highest points scorer in the history of International Rugby Union. He has scored more tries (16) for Ireland than any other fly-half in history. O'Gara is Munster's all-time leading points scorer (2,625), and also holds the Heineken Cup record for points (1,365).

O'Gara scored several match-winning dropped goals for Ireland, including in the 78th minute of the Wales vs Ireland match in the 2009 Six Nations Championship to secure the Grand Slam and in the 78th minute of the Italy vs Ireland match in the 2011 Six Nations Championship, which ensured Ireland avoided a first defeat to Italy in the Six Nations. Read more...