La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara has been handed a five-week suspension for “actions against a match official”, the French Rugby Federation confirmed on Friday – the latest in a long line of bans for the fiery Irishman.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The former Ireland and British & Irish Lions fly-half initially escaped with just a fine and a reprimand following his behaviour in the Top 14 defeat to Toulon back in January. However, the federal appeals committee weren’t having it, deciding instead to ramp things up significantly.
O’Gara was found guilty of “actions against a match official” and “threatening acts or words towards a match official” – a serious charge that’s seen him banned from touchline duties until the end of the regular season and any potential play-off matches.
? No stranger to the sin bin
This latest ban adds to O’Gara’s growing disciplinary record since taking the reins at La Rochelle. Known for his passionate approach, this is far from his first brush with the law in French rugby.
Currently seventh in the Top 14, La Rochelle travel to bottom-of-the-table Vannes this weekend – but they’ll do so without their headline-grabbing head coach. The club does have the right to appeal the decision.
?️ RUCK’s Verdict:
Love him or loathe him, O’Gara’s fire is part of what makes La Rochelle tick. But with another ban now on his record, questions will again be asked about whether his touchline temper is becoming more of a liability than a weapon.
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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