Four More For O’Gara

Negoiations between the IRFU and Ronan O’Gara have been concluded that will see the international, B&I Lions and Munster player remain in this country for the next four seasons.

Ronan O’Gara will remain a Munster player for the next four years having successfully re-negotiated his contract with the IRFU. His current  contract was due to expire after next summer’s World Cup but O’Gara has committed to Irish and Munster rugby until after the 2011 World Cup at least.

Explaining the reasons behind his decision O’Gara said, “I am delighted to commit to Munster and Ireland for the next four years as I believe there is a special bond between this group of players. The support and loyalty of the Munster supporters was a big factor in helping me make this decision.”

Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald, welcomed the news saying,  “Obviously I am delighted that the negotiations have been concluded and I am particularly pleased that this new deal will see Ronan remain in Irish rugby for at least the next four years. I believe it says a lot about the structure and confidence there is in the game in this country that a player of Ronan’s calibre is happy to continue his career here.”  while Munster coach Declan Kidney said:  “Its really great news that Ronan and the IRFU have agreed terms that keeps Ronan in Munster and Irish rugby for the foreseeable future.”

Commenting on the news, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: “We are delighted to quickly follow up the news of Brian O’Driscoll’s commitment to Irish rugby by agreeing a similar contract to 2011 with Ronan O’Gara and also to reiterate that the on-going policy of the IRFU is to have all our leading players on home soil, competing with their respective Provincial teams and being available for the Ireland team. To that end, the IRFU is delighted that Ronan O’Gara has now committed himself to Munster and Ireland for the next four seasons.”