O'Gara rethinks on quitting – maybe

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ronan O'Gara yesterday sought to end doubt over his Ireland future post-World Cup, yet succeeded only in fuelling further speculation.

The Lions fly-half, at 34 the oldest man in the Irish squad and ousted as first-choice fly-half by Jonathan Sexton, had suggested on TV straight after Saturday's stunning 15-6 victory over Australia that his 11-year international career was almost over.

"I'm done with Ireland in a few weeks. I've had a great time in this jersey but I want this to be the biggest time," he had said.

However, yesterday in clarifying his intentions – saying that only "losers" quit when challenged – he did admit "in my own head I'll reassess at the end of the World Cup".