O'Gara set to retire?

Munster and Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara is set to retire at the end of the season according to Irish media reports.

Munster and Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara is set to retire at the end of the season according to Irish media reports.

O'Gara, who has been offered a new one-year deal by Munster, is believed to have already decided to call time on his career.

If reports are true, the 36-year-old will delay an announcement for a number of weeks but Munster's Heineken Cup semi-final loss to Clermont appears to have been his last match for the Irish province and he is set to miss their PRO12 clash against Zebre on Friday.

Speculation is mounting that he could pursue a coaching role away from Munster as he looks to gain more experience before realising his goal of becoming Munster's head coach one day.

O'Gara has played in 236 matches for Munster, since his debut in 1997, kicking 2,560 points in all competitions. He has won two Heineken Cups, two Celtic Leagues and is the record points scorer in the former competition.

He is Ireland's most capped player with 128 caps and has scored 1,083 Test points. He also won four Triple Crowns and, in 2009, the Six Nations Grand Slam.

He toured with the Lions, in 2001, 2005 and 2009, making two Test appearances.

Munster coach Rob Penney is still hopeful that O'Gara may play for one more season.

“Rog will be a part of Munster for as long as he wants to be,” he told the Irish Independent.

“He loves the big moments obviously and he's been great for us. Since he's come back from Ireland he's had a clear image of what he's trying to achieve, and what he wants to do.

“He's such a passionate Munster man.”