Rugby News

Munster out-half says he is hopeful of going on a fourth tour with the Lions, amid speculation that he had been ready to hang up his boots.

By Declan Whooley

Speaking in the Irish Examiner, the Cork man wants to continue where he left off last season with bigger prizes awaiting next year.

“Why would I stop when I’ve probably had one of my best seasons last year?’’ he asked. The out-half admits that the thought of going to Australia has given him extra motivation for the season ahead.

“Yeah it would be nice” the 34 year-old conceded. “If you perform for Munster you’ve a chance of performing for Ireland. If you perform for Ireland you could get on the plane (for the Lions) and anything could happen there.”

The priority now he insisted is Munster and he is confident that Rob Penney can re-energise the Munster to further glory.

"It’s great, there’s a really good atmosphere in the camp, that’s crucial and we’ve a very good squad building at the minute and there’s an awful lot of young fellas showing up well in early season."

O’Gara is hoping to join Brian O’Driscoll into a select band of players that have been part of four Lions tours, a remarkable achievement in the professional game.