Rugby icon Ronan O’Gara is currently lighting up the Top 14 with La Rochelle – but away from the pitch and cameras, the Ireland legend leads a wholesome family life with a fascinating love story behind it.
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The former Munster fly-half has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Jessica Daly, for over 14 years. The couple now live in Paris with their five children, where O’Gara coaches Top 14 giants La Rochelle.
The pair first crossed paths as kids but didn’t truly connect until their university days at University College Cork (UCC). Sparks flew, and the rest is history.
They tied the knot in July 2006 with a stunning ceremony in the historic Honan Chapel on UCC’s campus. The wedding was a who’s-who of Irish rugby royalty, featuring guests like Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell, Keith Wood, and more.
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Together, Ronan and Jessica are proud parents to five children. They welcomed twins Rua and Molly in 2008, followed by three more sons.
But Jessica isn’t just known as the wife of a rugby legend — she’s carved out her own unique path.
A former primary school teacher, Jessica is also a lifelong horse lover. In 2016, she and Ronan were named Sport and Style Ambassadors for Longines Irish Champions Weekend. A year later, she saddled up for the Irish Injured Jockeys’ Corinthian Challenge charity race series, showcasing her equestrian skills.
Her horse background runs deep — from show jumping to eventing and hunting in her teens, horses have always been a major part of her life.
Jessica is the daughter of Dominic Daly, a well-known Cork-based auctioneer and larger-than-life personality in the city.
From the rugby pitch to the racetrack, this power couple continues to win hearts — and keep busy raising their lively squad of five!
Rugby’s Power Couples: The Top 20 Stars and Their Partners (Ranked 20-1)
Whether they’re lifting trophies, breaking records, or lighting up red carpets, these duos are redefining what it means to be a rugby partnership in 2025.
20. Ben White & Jodie Burridge
Scotland’s fiery scrum-half and British tennis ace Jodie bring the heat wherever they go — sporty, ambitious, and full of energy.
19. George Ford & Atdhetare Hoxha
England’s composed fly-half and his elegant fiancée keep things classic and classy. A quiet power couple in every sense.
18. Maro Itoje & Mimi Itoje
Understated, intelligent, and effortlessly cool. England’s cerebral lock and his stylish wife keep the spotlight where it belongs — on excellence.
17. Joe Marchant & Hollie Shearer
A rugby star meets football royalty’s daughter — the son-in-law Alan Shearer didn’t know he needed! A fun, media-friendly modern pair.
16. Marcus Smith & Beth Dolling
England’s flair player and his model-singer girlfriend bring fashion and flair to the rugby world. A young couple with superstar potential.
15. Simon Easterby & Sarra Elgan
Ireland’s forwards coach and the Welsh presenter are a rugby broadcasting dream team — brains, beauty, and a shared love of the game.
14. Finn Russell & Emma Canning
The Scottish playmaker and his multi-talented heptathlete partner are electric — charm, cheek, and competitiveness rolled into one.
13. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg
The Springbok enforcer and South African singer-songwriter embody raw passion and power — rugby grit meets glamour.
