Ronan O’Gara in Rugby World Cup jibe at player who shoved him
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara in 2023.
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara appeared to mock Clermont Auvergne fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta over his Rugby World Cup omission following their altercation on Saturday.
Urdapilleta took exception to O’Gara standing on the sideline as the ex-Ireland representative let the ball hit him after it was kicked out.
That prevented Clermont from taking a quick throw and the Argentinian international felt the 46-year-old did it on purpose.
The pivot was playing in the Top 14 after he was left out of Los Pumas’ squad for the World Cup and O’Gara cheekily suggested that was a factor in the outburst.
No apology
“It’s a disappointment, he didn’t have the class to apologise. I understand, he’s frustrated because he won’t be playing in the World Cup. That’s how it is,” he said.
Some were surprised that Urdapilleta was not yellow carded over his reaction, but O’Gara believed that it was “not possible.”
“He wanted to play quickly so it happens, but I was in my zone. He pushed me twice, right? It’s weird… I know I’m no angel, but there’s respect, and tonight I think we crossed the line,” he added.
“It has no place in our sport. But a card? It’s not possible either, because it’s for the players against the players, not between the players and the staff.”
Urdapilleta had the last laugh with Clermont going on to claim a narrow 11-10 victory, condemning La Rochelle to their second defeat of the season.
No regrets
The playmaker was asked about the incident afterwards but the 37-year had no regrets over what he did.
“With adrenaline, I sometimes have some excesses. He (Ronan O’Gara) is clever, I think he did it on purpose to prevent us receiving the ball,” Urdapilleta said.
“At the time of the action, we were behind in the score so it was complicated. But that’s sport, it can happen. Once the match is over, we forget.”
