Ronan O'Gara has signed a new deal with La Rochelle which will keep him at the Top 14 side until 2024.
The move comes with La Rochelle Director of Rugby, Jono Gibbes, moving to Clermont at the end of the season. O'Gara has also been promoted from head coach under Gibbes to a new role as head of the team.
O'Gara joined La Rochelle in 2019. They are currently second in the Top 14 and play in a European Cup semi-final against Leinster early next month.
"I am extremely proud of the trust that Stade Rochelais continues to show me by appointing me [as] the head of the team," said O'Gara.
"I am obviously very excited about next season, but first, we have important challenges ahead of us and above all a good season to end in the best possible way."
In a statement announcing Gibbes's departure and O'Gara's new deal, La Rochelle said:
"Discussions were initiated a few weeks ago at Jono Gibbes’ request which lead to his ear ly release from June 30. At the same time, Stade Rochelais has worked to preserve both ambition and stability of its project.
"The Club’s priority was to extend its collaboration with its head coach, Ronan O’Gara, and promote him at the head of the professional team.
"The Club is therefore delighted with Ronan’s re-engagement until 2024 and his loyalty to the Stade Rochelais’ project, which he will continue to strengthen through his managerial skills, his top level experience and his full immersion in the club culture."
Photo by Matt Impey/Sportsfile
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