O'Gara quitting after World Cup??? *mod warning post 60*

Tigerandahalf

He was just interviewed on Six One news..was emotional but said it was his last time in the jersey

Podge_irl

I would assume he means at a world cup...

GSF

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

He was just interviewed on Six One news..was emotional but said it was his last time in the jersey

at a World Cup I think he meant

Brendan97

is there any youtube videos about this or is it up on the rte website if so post a link

Tigerandahalf

Maybe but I wouldn't be surprised if he did. He has nothing left to prove and I doubt if he wants to spend his time on the bench. He'll probably want to prolong his Munster career and perhaps spend more time with his family.
I know I'm only speculating now but sure after he made that comment you would be.

Cypher_sounds

He's retiring from the Irish team after this world cup.

astonaidan

I hope he doesnt but Ive always thought about 6 or 7 of our team would finish this year

Podge_irl

Seems unnecessary and a bit premature if true. He's still playing well - if anything he's playing better then he has for a few years.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Cypher_sounds wrote: »

He's retiring from the Irish team after this world cup.

didn't he sign an international central contract for 2 years?

ANXIOUS

He defo gave the impression, it was from Ireland

Cypher_sounds

Podge_irl wrote: »

Seems unnecessary and a bit premature if true. He's still playing well - if anything he's playing better then he has for a few years.

It's true, just showed an interview on the six one there and he said this will be his last few weeks playing for ireland, very emotional interview.

MyPeopleDrankTheSoup

if true, shouldn't he have announced this *after* the WC, could be a bit of a distraction

Cypher_sounds

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

didn't he sign an international central contract for 2 years?

Don't know about that, im just going on what he said in the interview there.

irishbucsfan

He's centrally contracted still.

Tigerandahalf

He mentioned his wife and kids being at home and was emotional about it. His kids are young and you couldn't blame him for wanting to spend more time with his young family.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Cypher_sounds wrote: »

Don't know about that, im just going on what he said in the interview there.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2010/1118/ogarar.html

further 2 seasons according to this

Cypher_sounds

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2010/1118/ogarar.html

further 2 seasons according to this

Thats interesting, bit odd that he said this is his last few weeks playing for ireland then, maybe he can cancel the contract, hopefully it was just adrenaline talk right after the game, look like he misses his family big time.

JustinDee

Cypher_sounds wrote: »

He's retiring from the Irish team after this world cup.

He is on a two-year contract. He meant last RWC.

Tigerandahalf

I don't know about his contract but I don't think he would have any problem getting out of that. He's 33 I think. He's had no serious injuries. And maybe he'd be happy to leave it at that. If he stays on he's looking at 40 minutes at best in 6N games. He'd leave a serious void in the outhalf position.
I wouldn't be surprised if Drico called it a day as well, especially if they go out on a high by getting to semi or better.

Cypher_sounds

JustinDee wrote: »

He is on a two-year contract. He meant last RWC.

I hope so, he can definitely do a job for us for another year or two without having to go on the tours and being away from his family, just that interview came across as if he's retiring his Irish jersey altogether.

marco_polo

JustinDee wrote: »

He is on a two-year contract. He meant last RWC.

I think this is probably what he meant alright, but I am sure that if he wished to retire from international rugby there would be no problem in getting the contract downgraded. After all he has give the state some service.

Tigerandahalf

It's on the rte player now.

http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1112805

He says "I'm done with Ireland"

It's around 15 minute mark

Trotter

He's an intelligent dedicated fella. He isnt going to make tomorrow about his international retirement. If it was in the plan, he'd announce it after the competition so as not to take the focus off the team. I have to say I did turn around and think.. What?! When I heard the interview in the background. I think he meant after this competition, theres no more Ireland involvement this season, that he's going back to Munster competitions. In season terms, after the WC he is finished with Ireland til next year.

Has anyone a link to it? Would be good to listen carefully to it again.

Cypher_sounds

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

It's on the rte player now.

http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1112805

He says "I'm done with Ireland"

It's around 15 minute mark

Knew i wasn't hearing things, will be sad to not have O'Gara to call upon anymore for Ireland.

Tigerandahalf

I'm sure O'Gara didn't mean to say it right now but he was emotional. He'll be told to calm the waters and I'm sure he'll row back on those comments tomorrow. But his intentions were clear.

Het-Field

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I don't know about his contract but I don't think he would have any problem getting out of that. He's 33 I think. He's had no serious injuries. And maybe he'd be happy to leave it at that. If he stays on he's looking at 40 minutes at best in 6N games. He'd leave a serious void in the outhalf position.
I wouldn't be surprised if Drico called it a day as well, especially if they go out on a high by getting to semi or better.

Ultimately, this World Cup is probably the most we could have hoped for out of the "Gatland Gang". O'Gara will be almost 36 when the Lions tour again, and Drico will be 34(and carrying a very dodgy shoulder). If they have any desire to prolong their Club careers, I believe they will decided to step aside at the conclusion of this tournament. Thus, bringing down the curtain on the Horgan,O'Gara,Easterby,Hayes,Stringer club, which was the springboard for the irish Rugby revivial of 2000.

I dont think it would be suprising if O'Connell did the same. However, as a forward, who will be 35 at the next World Cup, it is not out of the question that he will stay, and I believe he will shoulder on until the next Lions Tour, as will Donnacha O'Callaghan. It would also appear that David Wallace will play on.

Drico and ROG owe nothing to Irish Rugby, and will rightfully be considered two of Irish Rugby's greats, and in Drico's case, there is a very strong case to bistow upon him the acolade of Ireland's greatest Sportsperson.

ironingbored

Cypher_sounds wrote: »

Knew i wasn't hearing things, will be sad to not have O'Gara to call upon anymore for Ireland.

I wonder will the ROG/Sexton debate still continue.

I think it would probably be better for Ireland in the long run some of the +32 year olds call it a day after the RWC.

They can give another 2 years to their provinces in pursuit of another Pro12 or HC (or Amlin in the case of Munster ) while enabling the development of Ireland's next generation.

pmct

i think people will only realise how good ROG was until he is gone

pmct

ironingbored wrote: »

I wonder will the ROG/Sexton debate still continue.

there is no debate sexton is not as good as ROG maybe in the future but not now

gcgirl

He says his done in an Irish jersey in a couple of weeks , his interview was just on, he nearly has me in tears here!

alexmcred

Guy really misses his family and think the straw that broke the camels back seems to be not starting this game. If he does retire it's a massive loss to Ireland

pappyodaniel

Tbh, in a strange way I'd like to see a few of the elder players bow out on the biggest stage. We have so much young talented players coming through and these guys need to be getting the breaks to build for the next RWC.

I'm looking at you
Hayes
Wallace
RO'G
D'Arcy
^^^^Some of the best and most decorated rugby internationals this country has ever produced.

I still feel BO'D should continue for a couple of years after this WC, mainly in a mentor and leadership role for the young guys selected around him.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Wallace has said that he wants to play in the 2015 world cup

Tigerandahalf

I think Wally must still have some of the morphine in his system!
He'd be 39...make Simon Shaw look like a right rookie!

MungBean

pappyodaniel wrote: »

Tbh, in a strange way I'd like to see a few of the elder players bow out on the biggest stage. We have so much young talented players coming through and these guys need to be getting the breaks to build for the next RWC.

I'm looking at you
Hayes
Wallace
RO'G
D'Arcy
^^^^Some of the best and most decorated rugby internationals this country has ever produced.

I still feel BO'D should continue for a couple of years after this WC, mainly in a mentor and leadership role for the young guys selected around him.

Was thinking about this the other day. Trying to decide whether it would be better for some of the older squad to retire and Ireland to rebuild. Or whether those older players should be around for a year or two to mentor the younger generation into the Irish squad.

Personally I love ROG I think he's a hero of the highest calibre and I'd love him to be around forever but if he did retire after the world cup it opens the door to the next guy, Humphrey's or Keatley or whoever. And gives them a chance to enter the Irish setup fully maybe a year or two sooner than they would otherwise. Likewise with other positions.

Bearcat

Whatever happens, ROG has been a fanTastic ambassador for the sport. He will always be remembered in my books as an astute tactician and a tremendous out half. His interview was highly emotional together with his family being the other side of the globe. Best a luck ROG you've been and continue to be a pleasure to watch......

Trotter

If I was stuck on the other side of the world and my wife and kids were in Ireland, I'd be thinking like he is too. He believes he's the best pick at 10 (I think he's right) and at the moment I think Kidney should be doing his level best to change O'Gara's mind until at least after the 6 nations.

Sexton is a great player, but right now I think O'Gara is in better form. Kicking for points is looking like a huge element of this tournament, more than usual, and in that regard I think O'Gara is gutted to be overlooked. ROG deserves to start the next game and keep the place as long as he's doing the job. Johnny missed too many kicks in the last games (as have most out halves in the tournament I know) but if we can win the 3 matches ahead because our out half is dealing with the ball/conditions/pressure better than the other team, it could make the difference.

I don't want O'Gara to retire because he felt Johnny Sexton was being picked regardless of form. If that was the case, he'd be right to finish because it wouldnt be respectful to O'Gara's current form and past service to Ireland.

Johnny's time as a world class outhalf will come, Ive no doubt of that, but O'Gara is a world class outhalf now and should be starting.

This is not how O'Gara should leave down his Irish shirt.

totallegend

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Wallace has said that he wants to play in the 2015 world cup

Source?

I do not for a minute believe that Wallace seriously thinks that he can play at the 2015 RWC; his place was in some doubt for this tournament, but at the age of 39?

wixfjord

Trotter wrote: »

If I was stuck on the other side of the world and my wife and kids were in Ireland, I'd be thinking like he is too. He believes he's the best pick at 10 (I think he's right) and at the moment I think Kidney should be doing his level best to change O'Gara's mind until at least after the 6 nations.

Sexton is a great player, but right now I think O'Gara is in better form. Kicking for points is looking like a huge element of this tournament, more than usual, and in that regard I think O'Gara is gutted to be overlooked. ROG deserves to start the next game and keep the place as long as he's doing the job. Johnny missed too many kicks in the last games (as have most out halves in the tournament I know) but if we can win the 3 matches ahead because our out half is dealing with the ball/conditions/pressure better than the other team, it could make the difference.

I don't want O'Gara to retire because he felt Johnny Sexton was being picked regardless of form. If that was the case, he'd be right to finish because it wouldnt be respectful to O'Gara's current form and past service to Ireland.

Johnny's time as a world class outhalf will come, Ive no doubt of that, but O'Gara is a world class outhalf now and should be starting.

This is not how O'Gara should leave down his Irish shirt.

Firstly, I think you're reading to much into this, based on what Hook and the panel are speculating.

Secondly, Sexton is a world class OH now, and had a brilliant game today, again bar kicking. There's also certainly a case to start him, and it certainly does blunt our overall attacking game, defensive game and speed of passing somewhat when O Gara starts.

A lot more is being read into the whole Sexton/O Gara thing than needs be. ROG had three poor kicks today too.

Also, I don't think sentiment should come into it when picking a team, and in fairness to Kidney, this is one area of the pitch he hasn't let it come into things. We all know O Gara is an emotional guy, and sometimes to his detriment. If he thinks he should be startng, then fair enough, you've got to be self centred to be a great 10, but the fact that he isn't shouldn't be used as a reason to retire, as he has no god given right to start. And there is previous of this with his relationship with EOS.

That being said, I would certainly start him against Italy.

CIARAN_BOYLE

totallegend wrote: »

Source?

I do not for a minute believe that Wallace seriously thinks that he can play at the 2015 RWC; his place was in some doubt for this tournament, but at the age of 39?

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/wallace-wants-to-get-back-in-green-2879766.html wrote:

He may be 35 and facing up to nine months of rehabilitation, but his mind has turned towards the [COLOR=#009900 ! important]future[/COLOR] -- 2015, England and the World Cup. He's used to people smirking when he mentions it, but Wallace is serious.
He knows the selectors may end his dream. At 39, logic dictates that he isn't one for the future. "Look at (38 year-old Argentine Mario) Ledesma," he argues.

There is another article somewhere about the topic but I can't find it at the moment

totallegend

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

There is another article somewhere about the topic but I can't find it at the moment

Well that's me told! I think from reading it though, he doesn't seriously entertain the possibility of the next WC, more that he's determined to get back to the Ireland squad at some stage. He quotes the example of Ledesma but front-row and back-row are different propositions altogether.

Going back to O'Gara, I think people are reading too much into the 'emotion' of the occasion; I would imagine he made his mind up on international retirement even before he came out here. If I were him, I would rather call it a day after a World Cup rather than after some random Six Nations or Autumn International game. The next Lions tour is out of his reach, so this seems like the best time.

ambid

ironingbored wrote: »

I wonder will the ROG/Sexton debate still continue.
...

Maybe we have ten years of a Sexton/Keatley debate to look forward to instead

overshoot

ambid wrote: »

Maybe we have ten years of a Sexton/Keatley debate to look forward to instead

dont think keatley will reach rog's level. sexton will given time. but rog is still better, remember thinking rog took over too early from david humphreys so should work out in the end. cant decide who id like to replace him. humphrys is deadly accuracte but his defending:(, jackson or mckinney behind him... decisions

CptMackey

Trotter wrote: »

If I was stuck on the other side of the world and my wife and kids were in Ireland, I'd be thinking like he is too. He believes he's the best pick at 10 (I think he's right) and at the moment I think Kidney should be doing his level best to change O'Gara's mind until at least after the 6 nations.

Sexton is a great player, but right now I think O'Gara is in better form. Kicking for points is looking like a huge element of this tournament, more than usual, and in that regard I think O'Gara is gutted to be overlooked. ROG deserves to start the next game and keep the place as long as he's doing the job. Johnny missed too many kicks in the last games (as have most out halves in the tournament I know) but if we can win the 3 matches ahead because our out half is dealing with the ball/conditions/pressure better than the other team, it could make the difference.

I don't want O'Gara to retire because he felt Johnny Sexton was being picked regardless of form. If that was the case, he'd be right to finish because it wouldnt be respectful to O'Gara's current form and past service to Ireland.

Johnny's time as a world class outhalf will come, Ive no doubt of that, but O'Gara is a world class outhalf now and should be starting.

This is not how O'Gara should leave down his Irish shirt.

Great post. I agree with it all tbh. Sexton is a good player but he isn't at ogara's level yet. He will get better no doubt but ogara needs to start against Russia and Italy. His kicking is just better that sexton at the mo. If ogara had missed those kicks the media would be calling for his head

Trotter

wixfjord wrote: »

Firstly, I think you're reading to much into this, based on what Hook and the panel are speculating.

Secondly, Sexton is a world class OH now, and had a brilliant game today, again bar kicking.

Its being reported on the Irish Times site now so I think we're moving past speculation and I'll be delighted to hear he's staying on if its clarified.

In terms of Sexton, this competition is proving the absolute importance of place kicking, again, moreso here than regular competition we see usually. Its showing a requirement for the teams at the business end to have a world class, in form kicker. In my opinion, that is O'Gara right now.

wixfjord wrote: »

Also, I don't think sentiment should come into it when picking a team, and in fairness to Kidney, this is one area of the pitch he hasn't let it come into things.

Totally agree. However, the sentiment here has nothing to do with which player is picked. The sentiment is relating to O'Garas separation from his family while watching Sexton put the ball wide so often in the World Cup without being rotated out (I don't want to use the word dropped in either case.. maybe I should). O'Gara is missing them (as every father would) and is wondering why he's breaking his heart doing this while Johnny can seemingly do no wrong. I think he's right. Johnny's poor kicking performance has to mean the other in form out half starts. Thats got nothing to do with sentiment, just pure form and ability. When form and ability are ignored, as ROG and I believe they are, sentiment kicks in and he wonders why he's away from his wife and kids.

He's a pro, the best of them.. But I know from my own experience when kids come along, you're a husband and Dad first no matter what. O'Gara's standing right between the 2 pillars in his life of his family, and the Irish no.10 shirt.

He's not getting a fair crack at the shirt and maybe that pushes his family further into his mind.

Will he become unfocussed if he's asked to come off the bench with 15 to go in the quarters? No way.

shuffol

Cant see him retiring myself although with ROG you never know. Do you honestly think that if Sexton got injured come the 6N and ROG is still starting the big games for Munster that he wouldnt answer the call for Ireland. Like f*ck he wouldnt.

Hagz

I find the this thread to be an incredible read.

mr.mickels

pmct wrote: »

i think people will only realise how good ROG was until he is gone

I agree

mr.mickels

pappyodaniel wrote: »

Tbh, in a strange way I'd like to see a few of the elder players bow out on the biggest stage. We have so much young talented players coming through and these guys need to be getting the breaks to build for the next RWC.

I never agree with this building for the future stuff. The international team selected on any day should be the strongest 15 available, regardless of age and the younger players should be forced to play their way onto the sides gaining a place on merit, rather than simply because they are younger for the future. It doesn't benefit anyone to give soft caps to players for some future that may never arrive. If any young player is good enough in the future, let him win his place either now or in the future. If ROG or anyone else is the best man for the job at the current time then he is the one who should be selected in the current time, and let the future deal with itself. You mention "getting breaks", I think any and every player has to make their own breaks for the benefit of the team as a whole. In NZ they pick their strongest available and the young guns have to fight their way into the squad, makes them tougher.

tolosenc

To be honest, he's probably just the first of many of the older generation to announce that this is it. Flannery, Buckley, Horan, DOC, Cullen, MOD, Wallace, Leamy, Stringer, O'Gara, D'arcy, Horgan, and Murphy are all players I expect to hear retirement announcements from before the next 6 Nations. Most of those players are getting on, and play positions which will be difficult to be selected for, given squad building policies and the wealth of talent coming through (Buckley v. Hagan, Leamy v. Ruddock, Murphy v. Jones, etc.)

End of an era. We should keep the likes of POC and BOD around to help nurture the new crop, but ultimately, players who will be over 33/34 at the next World Cup should be phased out, provided there is cover, early on. Look at England after the last RWC, they now have built a young, cohesive team in the 4 years, and we have better players than them, and more qualirt in depth than tey do.

artvandelay48

Tbh, rog is a well paid professional rugby player doing his job. If he misses his family, he needs to man the f up and get on with it. If he doesn't agree with who starts, he needs to be professional and suck that up as well. It's disgraceful that he's overshadowing a great victory with talk of retirement and publicly undermining jonny while he's at it.