Jonathan Sexton surprised by Ronan O’Gara’s move into coaching

Jonathan Sexton was taken by surprise to hear that long-time rival Ronan O’Gara will be his coach at Racing Metro.

But the Ireland and Leinster fly-half insisted he is looking forward to working with O’Gara when he moves to Paris next season.

O’Gara, 36, turned down the offer of a contract extension with Munster to take up a two-year deal as kicking and half-backs coach with the wealthy French club.

Sexton said: “I thought he’d go for another season with Munster. If he does come over with me it will be great, someone to help me settle in and someone I can fall back on who has experience.”

O’Gara won 128 caps for Ireland, toured with the British and Irish Lions three times and won two Heineken Cup titles with Munster in a 16-year career.

He said: “I’d love to play on but you have to be realistic.”