Former Ireland outhalf Ronan O’Gara has said he would consider coaching the Wallabies, describing the role as a “potentially good job”.
Joe Schmidt will step down as Australia’s head coach in October following the British & Irish Lions Tour and the Rugby Championship.
In light of the upcoming vacancy, there has been speculation surrounding a potential move down under for the Munster man, who is currently head coach of French Top 14 side La Rochelle.
Speaking to Off The Ball, O’Gara was asked whether he would consider the Wallabies job. “Of course you would, yeah,” he replied.
[ Joe Schmidt to step down as Australia head coach in OctoberOpens in new window ]
“They’re a serious team and obviously I coach (Australia secondrow) Will Skelton (at La Rochelle). I’ve a really strong relationship with Skelton so I presume that’s where they’re putting two and two together.
“But if the rest of the guys (in the Wallabies) are anything like him it would be some journey, you know, because you’ve got to enjoy what you do every day. I enjoy seeing him every day, nevermind coaching him.”
However, O’Gara added: “Coaching Australia, I haven’t thought about it, genuinely, because I have a game against Lyon (in the Top 14) on Saturday week. We have a lot of injuries, we’re in sixth place so we need to get into the top six, kick on.
“There’ll always be speculation, but would it interest you? Of course it would interest you because I think it’s a potentially good job.
“It’s the same as asking a soccer manager would he like to, (it’s not the Real Madrid obviously), but if you’d like to coach Real Madrid like Ancelotti. Like yeah, I’d like to coach Real Madrid, and I’m a rugby coach.”
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