‘Urios is not an Irish coach’, O’Gara criticizes how he is treated by referees

2023-12-02 13:55:41

The Stade Rochelais manager was cited before the League disciplinary committee for his behavior during the lost match against Racing 92.

Ronan O’Gara still before the NRL disciplinary committee. The Irish manager of Stade Rochelais was in fact summoned to appear in court for his behavior after the match lost against Racing 92, last Sunday at Paris La Défense Arena. In his column in the Irish daily The Irish Examiner , the former international fly-half insisted on defending himself and giving his version of the facts. “These are a few words exchanged with the fourth and fifth referees at half-time regarding the non-awarding of a penalty try to La Rochelle by referee Adrien Descottes. I was summoned to appear in court for what is indirectly called a “bad behaviour”. If all the Top 14 coaches were accused of “misbehavior” every time they questioned or commented on an erroneous decision, they would not have time to do anything else during the week,” he says.

And the coach of the reigning double European champions Maritimes deplores differences in treatment depending on the coaches of the Top 14. «Christophe Urios publicly criticized the referees but he is not an Irish coach who is making his way in France,” he asserts. And to add: “When there is guilt, it must be recognized, as I have done in the past. There have been times when I have questioned decisions and expressed frustration. (…) Without an ounce of paranoia, selective processing is a concern. Others seem to be able to comment on the administration with impunity, but if I look askance at someone, I find myself in front of a committee again. I’m expected to be in a straitjacket but the administration has thrown away the key.”

“I will contest this accusation with all my strength”

Ronan O’Gara has been suspended several times – quite heavily – for behavioral problems since his arrival in France. But this time, he intends to defend himself. “It now seems to be conventional wisdom – O’Gara has done it again – and it is disgusting nonsense. I look forward to seeing what specifically I will be accused of, he says. I will contest this accusation with all my strength.”