Ronan O'Gara has expressed his openness to the possibility of being part of the Ireland coaching team in the future.
Andy Farrell will take over from Joe Schmidt following next year's World Cup with there likely to be vacancies in his backroom team.
Speaking to Virgin Media News, O'Gara was asked if he would be interested if the IRFU came calling.
"Of course, yeah, sure," said O'Gara.
I would be in contact with a few of the guys from the IRFU. Having played all my rugby here, I'm trying to create my own journey as a coach.
It changes very quickly. One phone call could change anything.
At the minute, I'm in New Zealand, extremely happily contracted to the Crusaders and will be for a while.
On a coaching expedition of his own making, O'Gara's first role came with Racing 92 in France. After enjoying some success in the French capital, the former Munster man then took the unlikely route of making his way in New Zealand.
Though New Zealand is generally perceived as uninterested in external coaching, the validation of Dan Carter played a role in bringing O'Gara to one of the country's best club sides.
"Something like that, it's your home country. You do [want to coach in Ireland] at some stage.
"It's important too that you get your timing right.
"An opening doesn't mean anything. It's about how you can make it better and whether you can make it better. Who knows, depending on what role is available.
"You can see that the show here is very strong. Someday, hopefully, it will happen."
You can watch O'Gara speaking to Virgin Media News below.
"One phone call can change anything."@RonanOGara10 spoke to @sineadkissane on the possibility of joining Andy Farrell's backroom team after next year's Rugby World Cup. #VMSport pic.twitter.com/5TIXtFCLeb
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 28, 2018
