The Lions stand-off suggested in a television interview 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 told RTE.
Needing to clarify his comments, O’Gara stated that he was referring to the end of the World Cup and not his own position. But his explanation was cloaked in ambiguity with his claim that only “losers” quit when faced by a challenge undermined by the words “in my own head I’ll reassess at the end of the World Cup”.
The latter comment was delivered immediately after admitting, “it’s important for me to put an end to this because it’s a distraction the team don’t need”.
The 34-year-old – the oldest member of Ireland’s squad – has been replaced as first choice stand-off by Jonathan Sexton, who started both World Cup games against the United States and Australia.
When asked if he had considered quitting the Test arena in recent months, he said. “Retirement has crossed my mind plenty of times over the last few years,” said O’Gara, who is contracted to the Irish Rugby Football Union until 2013.
“There are plenty of thoughts in your head when you’re disappointed, but it’s losers who quit when things aren’t going so well for them.
“Retirement hasn’t entered my head seriously in that regard. I’m a fighter and I’ll keep fighting until the end. I’m not sure when the end is.
“When you set goals for yourself – be they short, medium or long term – they always ended with the World Cup.
“Playing for Ireland means so much you don’t walk away from the team until it’s right.
“You take advice from people you respect on that front. I’m not at that stage.
“On Saturday I was speaking in the context of being done with Ireland in six or seven weeks’ time in terms of this World Cup.
“I said I’m done with Ireland in a few weeks and there are different interpretations of that.”<!—
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