Ronan O'Gara today responded to allegations of gambling and marital problems for the first time, branding the claims ‘despicable’.
In answer to reports that appeared in the French media on Wednesday, O'Gara denied he has accumulated large debts through betting on horse racing.
The Ireland fly-half admitted to following horse racing and placing bets on the sport, but insisted there is ‘no truth’ to suggestions of a gambling problem.
O'Gara also silenced rumours he has separated from his wife Jess and hoped that by confronting the allegations, they would be laid to rest.
The 30-year-old said: ‘It was difficult for a day or two after these stories came out.
‘The most important thing is that people who know me realise there is no truth in these stories whatsoever.
‘I'll be seeking advice to find out what is the best way for my wife and I to deal with the stories.
‘The gambling affront doesn't bother me because I'll say it straight up - I do back horses and do it frequently.
‘I own racehorses and have placed bets since I was 18. It was said in L'Equipe that I owed 300,000 euros. That's a load of nonsense.
‘A lot of the boys thought it was very funny but there's a serious side to it as well. It was upsetting for a day or two but then there was no problem.’
The Munster and Lions fly-half continued: ‘But the fact I have a troubled marriage is quite disappointing to hear. It's not for me to say I have a perfect marriage.
‘Like everyone else little things happen but that's behind closed doors at home. I love my wife and she loves me, that's all I can say on the matter.
‘There have been rumours about me going around for a year now. The only good thing is that it's all come out and has now been put to bed.
'It's been despicable. Talk about disputes in your marriage and being told you've been kicked out of your own home is the lowest of the low.
‘My wife is a primary school teacher and I didn't expect this kind of rubbish. I rang home and braced her for it. I thought 'Jesus, I can't believes it's in the papers'.
‘I didn't ask for this and neither have I asked for support, but the number of people who have been onto me in the last week has been brilliant.
‘They knew it wasn't a real issue. In fact most of the texts I've been getting have been good-natured banter.’
O'Gara made little impression during last night's 25-3 defeat by France but Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan denied the off-field distractions are affecting his form.
O'Sullivan said: ‘Ronan has coped very well with the pressure. People will look at his performance against France and probably point the finger at him.
‘For Ronan to play in a good zone he needs a good flow of possession. One of our key sources of possession last night wasn't the best part of our game, so you have to factor that into his performance.
‘They're (the O'Gara stories) all over now. What more can you say about them? I don't believe they have distracted him.
‘People might disagree but I'm more of a view to look at the possession he got last night when rating his performance.’
