At some point in the not too distant future, Ronan O'Gara is going to make the move into international rugby.
The Cork man is one of the most highly rated up and coming coaches in the world, with his exploits at La Rochelle meaning he would be at the top of the shortlist for any jobs that do come up.
For a long time, it had been assumed his first move to test level would come with Ireland. However, the timing for that may not be ideal. Andy Farrell is doing an excellent job and looks likely to be around for another while yet, meaning there will not be a vacancy for the heading coaching role.
Instead, there could be an opportunity across the Irish Sea.
Eddie Jones is all but certain to leave England after next year's World Cup, meaning they will be on the lookout for a new person for the top job.
Many have suggested Ronan O'Gara as a possible replacement and it seems as though he is in the frame for the gig.
Ronan O'Gara opens up on England possibilities
O'Gara has admitted that he would open to taking the England job on a number of occasions in recent times, something that is understandable. After all, they do have more resources than other nation in world rugby.
However, it is not a decision that he will take likely.
Speaking at an event for Benetti Menswear, he said that accepting a role with England is something that he would have to consider if the opportunity arises.
To test me, to test your players, at the highest possible level under extreme pressure. That stimulates me, that awakens me and that inspires me...
Yeah it’s a huge decision to even contemplate because there’s a lot to it. Obviously, considering I played for Ireland for a long period of time, it’s not something you’d ever contemplate as a player.
But time moves on and it becomes appealing because you feel like you have a group that could win a World Cup, and that’s what becomes exciting. Obviously, you have to give an incredible amount of thought to what it would look like.
It’s one thing contemplating it but actually putting that into reality is something that I genuinely haven’t given the necessary depth of thought because it’s a huge decision.
It would be very strange to see Ronan O'Gara at the helm of England, but it is an opportunity that he may not be able to pass up if it comes around.
It will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the months ahead.
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