rugby
Share icon

Share

Simon Zebo has dig at Peter O’Mahony over Ronan O’Gara rumours

Published 17:19 11 Jul 2026 BST

Updated 17:19 11 Jul 2026 BST

Colman Stanley
Simon Zebo has dig at Peter O’Mahony over Ronan O’Gara rumours

Homerugby

Get our Pub Quizzes and latest news straight to you by clicking here »

He couldn't resist!

The next stop for Ronan O'Gara and the question of Leo Cullen's successor at Leinster are two of the most intriguing topics in Irish rugby right now.

It was announced last month that Cullen would be leaving his job as head coach of the province after 12 years at the helm.

In a statement, he said: "By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years.

"It'll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.

"I managed 10 years as a player on different Leinster teams before moving to Leicester in 2005 and then returning to Leinster in 2007 to go on to experience some of the most amazing days imaginable.

"As many of you will know, I'm committed to Leinster up until the end of next season, and I intend to honour my contract, as I always have done."

They are big boots to fill, and no doubt the European powerhouse will be looking for a world-class replacement.

To nobody's surprise, Ronan O'Gara is a name that has frequently come up in speculative discussions among fans, given his pedigree and Irishness, but also the fact he is due a move from Stade Rochelais, where he has been since 2019.

Speaking on the topic, O'Gara's former Munster and Ireland teammate, Peter O'Mahony, believes that the ex-outhalf is definitely in the running.

He said: "It is logical to have Ronan O'Gara as a candidate for the Leinster job. I would be shocked if they didn't.

"You want Irish people back home. He won European Cups as a player and coach. I think it certainly would be good for Irish rugby, it would be a good pathway for ROG who probably wants the Irish job."

Under an Instagram by SportsJOE, highlighting these comments, former Munster man Simon Zebo - who has never been shy at letting his dislike for old rivals Leinster be known - responded with a cheeky 'long nose' emoji, suggesting that O'Mahony was telling lies.