O'Gara rules out return to Munster with new role at Stade Rochelais

Discussions were initiated a few weeks ago at Jono Gibbes’ request which lead to his early release from June 30th from his Sporting Director with Stade Rochelais. At the same time, the Top 14 club 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 as 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 managerialskills, his top level experience and his full immersion in the club culture.

Head coach of Stade Rochelais since July 2019, the Irish tactician with 128 selections began his coaching career at Racing 92 in 2013 (French Champion 2016), before joining the Crusaders in 2018 (Super Rugby Champion 2018 and 2019).

"I am extremely proud of the trust that Stade Rochelais continues to show me by appointing me at the head of the team. 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," said Ronan O’Gara

Stade Rochelais would like to thank Jono for his contribution to the performances of the Yellow and Black team since his arrival in 2018 and wish him the best for the rest of his professional career.

Gibbes is expected to joins ASM Clermont Auvergne while Stade are preparing for their European Champions Cup Semi-Final with Leinster on Saturday week.