All Blacks: Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to reunite for coaching role

David Skippers

Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara have been appointed as the Barbarians coaches for their Killik Cup clash against an All Blacks XV at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 13.

The duo are set for a reunion, after previously working together at Super Rugby outfit the Crusaders in 2018 and 2019.

O’Gara, who currently plies his trade as head coach at French club La Rochelle, worked as the Crusaders‘ backline coach during that period and attributed Robertson for changing his mentality towards coaching.

Both men have achieved great success with their respective clubs in 2022, with Robertson guiding the Crusaders to a Super Rugby Pacific title in June and O’Gara steering La Rochelle to European Champions Cup glory for the first time.

Robertson is excited by the prospect of coaching the Barbarians.

“Rugby throws you great opportunities and coaching the Baa-baas has to be one of the best there is,” he told the Barbarians’ official website. “I am proud to help the incredible club and add to its history.”

Keen to reunite

O’Gara echoed his sentiments and said he is looking forward to reuniting with Robertson.

“I am honoured to be coaching the Barbarians this Autumn as we take on the All Blacks XV,” he said. “It will be a dynamite coaching team and I’m very much looking forward to reuniting with Ray after my time with him at Crusaders.

“It is always great to join forces with world-class coaches like him and to do so for this world-famous club will be an unforgettable experience.

“We’re going to put our heads together in the coming months and devise a squad of exciting talent who will light up the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and bring the Barbarians’ style of play to life against the All Blacks XV.”

Robertson and O’Gara will try to emulate Fabien Galthié and John Mulvihill, who led the Barbarians to emphatic triumphs against England and Spain respectively in June.

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