Donnacha Ryan is in demand on and off the pitch

By Shane Brophy

Donnacha Ryan is being tipped for a reunion with former Munster team-mate Ronan O’Gara at La Rochelle next season.

A report in the Irish Examiner, suggested the 37-year-old Nenagh man has a decision to make on either extending his playing career next season, or link up La Rochelle on a new career direction as a coach.

After three seasons with Racing 92, Ryan will be move on from the Parisians at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to a Pro D2 club to continue playing, however, a move to La Rochelle would see him take the first steps into a new career – and would also see him working alongside Ronan O’Gara, and one of the brightest coaching talents in the game, as he assumes the Director of Rugby role with Jonno Gibbes’ moving onto Clermont Auvergne.

However, no decision on Ryan’s plans is set to be announced until his playing season is at and end with Racing 92 in the Top 14 playoffs where they host city rivals Stade Francais in a quarter final this Friday, and should they win, ironically, they will face La Rochelle in a semi-final.