Ronan O'Gara has said that he's "honoured" to follow in the footsteps of "legends of Irish rugby" after it was announced he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at this year's Zurich Irish Rugby Players’ Awards.
The former Lions, Ireland and Munster fly-half will join an illustrious group of players including Anthony Foley, David Humphreys, David Wallace and Eric Elwood on the 4 May in the DoubleTree by Hilton, Burlington Road.
O’Gara carved out a glittering career over 17 years, earning 128 international caps and legendary status with his province.
The 39-year-old lifted two Heineken Cups, three Celtic Leagues, four Triple Crown and most memorably of all a Grand Slam in 2009, when he booted the decisive drop-goal against Wales to clinch it.
"It was a very nice surprise to get the call from IRUPA to inform me that the past players of Ireland had voted for me to be inducted into the BNY Mellon Hall of Fame," said the Racing 92 kicking and defence coach.
"I have had the honour to play with incredible players throughout my career and without their drive and support I would not have had the career that I did. I am very honoured to be in amongst legends of Irish Rugby.”
Corkman O’Gara broke in to the Munster set up in 1997 and made his competitive debut against Connacht, scoring 19 points. He went on to become a driving force in the formidable Munster team of the noughties.
In 2000, he made his Ireland debut against Scotland in the Six Nations at Lansdowne Road, on the same day as his Munster half-back partner, Peter Stringer. His international career lasted 13 years as he made the No 10 jersey his own.
Now coaching in France, he's been part of the brains trust behind Racing's charge to the Champions Cup final, setting up a date with Saracens with a 19-16 slaying of Leicester last weekend.
