Ronan O’Gara reacts to Johnny Sexton’s account of their long-running rivalry in new book

The Corkman has given his version of events.

The Munster legend laughed off Johnny Sexton's account of the beginning of their feud, adding that his former rival "has a good heart".

In his new autobiography Obsessed, Sexton recalled the origin of a long-running animosity that ended when they worked together at Racing 92 at the start of O'Gara's coaching career.

The former Ireland and Leinster fly-half can trace the animosity shared between him and his fellow countryman back to a big clash in April 2009 at Thomond Park when he was subbed on against Munster.

Recounting the incident that kicked it all off, Sexton describes the melee following a tip-tackle on Chris Whitaker.

“The real flare up started when I went to clear out Lifeimi Mafi after he’d tip tackled Chris Whitaker,” he said, in an excerpt published in today’s edition of The Sunday Times.

“I caught him above the eye with a stud by accident and he retaliated. Fists were thrown.”

He added: “Paul O’Connell was quick on the scene, asking Mafi who’d caused the gash above his eye.

“Suddenly, I have Paulie pointing the finger at me and giving me a mouthful. A scary sight. I squared my shoulders at him, but from a safe distance.

“With Paulie there for protection, O’Gara was also in my face. What the f**k are you doing? I responded by shaping to punch him, just drawing my fist back.

“When he winced, I called him a coward and that really set him off,” he continued. “‘Call me a coward? You’re nothing. You’re useless! A nobody.’

“It soon broke up, but I started his words in a place where they could fester.”

During an appearance earlier today on Off the Ball Breakfast, O'Gara laughed while the host read out a chapter based around Sexton's memories of them squaring up to one another in a Thomond Park encounter three months before the most memorable Munster vs Leinster clash of all.

When asked to give his take on how he recalled their verbal spat, the 47-year-old didn't take issue with anything that was written.

The La Rochelle head coach muttered: "Oh no, oh no," before adding, "When was that? 15 years ago, is it? If you were to ask me honestly what was said, I've no idea, you know?"

"You're talking about a good guy," he added. "He's a good guy.

"I understand he's recapping his early days with me, our relationship...all that kind of stuff.

"I firmly believe he has a good heart."