In a revealing discussion on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav, former Crusaders coach Ronan O’Gara shared insights into his challenging but ultimately rewarding relationship with All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga. The La Rochelle head honcho, known for his no-nonsense approach, played a pivotal role in steering Mo’unga towards becoming a world-class fly-half during their time together at the Crusaders.
The duo's journey didn’t start off smoothly. O’Gara’s upfront critique about Mo’unga’s kicking routine initially created a rift. “I just kind of said: ‘Richie, that doesn’t stack up to being world-class for me, I thought you said you wanted to be world-class’,” O’Gara recalled, highlighting a rocky beginning where the two didn’t speak for months. But it was this honesty that set the stage for Mo’unga’s transformation.
“We didn’t really speak for three or four months; it was really, really difficult, but I had to stay true to what I thought was world-class to push him.”
This tough love approach paid dividends as Mo’unga not only took O’Gara’s feedback to heart but also climbed the ranks to secure the All Blacks’ No. 10 jersey just before the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The impact of O’Gara's mentoring extended beyond the pitch, fostering a deep mutual respect and an enduring bond. “Now every time he wins a title, he rings me. We have such a strong relationship and I’ve seen him progress, and that makes me very, very happy and very proud,” O’Gara expressed, underscoring the personal and professional growth that followed their initial friction.
O’Gara downplayed his role in the Crusaders’ back-to-back Super Rugby titles, instead cherishing the personal connections made, especially with Mo’unga. Despite Mo’unga’s current ineligibility for the All Blacks due to a stint in Japan, O’Gara remains hopeful for his return to the test scene, reflecting a genuine desire to see his protégé succeed at the highest levels again.
“The one thing that happens when you get older is you get a little bit wiser, and you try and impart that on the guy. At first, there was a little bit of pushback, which there was from Richie, but we have such deep respect between us.”
Richie Mo’unga’s journey under Ronan O’Gara’s mentorship illustrates the transformative power of tough, honest coaching intertwined with genuine care and respect—a recipe that has proven to mold champions.