Ronan O'Gara says there are international jobs he would “bite people's hands off for” as he confirms a strong desire to coach at Test level.
O'Gara has eyed England, Ireland and France as attractive roles but says coaching Wales is not on his radar.
The future of Wales head coach Warren Gatland is uncertain after 12 Test defeats in a row, with the Welsh Rugby Union currently reviewing a poor Autumn Nations Series campaign which saw defeat against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.
When asked about Wales, O'Gara said: “I haven't thought about that, to be honest with you. Without a lack of humility, I would have preferred Ireland, England or France.”
He continued: “You have to have those ambitions, I think, because you want to be the best you can be.
“There are Test jobs that I'd bite people's hands off for. It usually works out if you're good enough at your club.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The head coach of Wales Warren Gatland says that he wants to continue in his role as head coach but he also understands that he had to resign if it meant that it would be an advantage for the Welsh team.
O'Gara, a former Ireland and Munster player, who won 128 caps for his country and appeared on three occasions with the British and Irish Lions, is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby.
He dominated French club La Rochelle's back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023 after serving his apprenticeship with current New Zealand boss Scott Robertson at the Crusaders.
“In France I find it very challenging and difficult because of the standards I try to maintain, but I just want players to try to experience what I have done,” O'Gara said. .
“I got so much out of the game. It gave me wonderful feelings, and now I want to try to return.
O'Gara led La Rochelle to Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023
“We have only won Europe twice. We have never won a Bouclier (a French Top 14 title), so the pull, the determination and the carrot are huge.
“There are very good people and very good players in this club. You try to encourage them.”
O'Gara is currently planning a third Champions Cup victory with La Rochelle, a feat only four other teams have achieved: Toulouse, Leinster, Saracens and Toulon.
That question started with a 24-20 win away to Gallagher Premier League leaders Bathwith Bristol second next on Saturday.
O'Gara and La Rochelle kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a 24-20 win in Bath on Friday.
“At the moment, we are very inconsistent,” O'Gara said. “We have to get our game going for 60 minutes, let alone 80. If we are good for 60, we will win a lot of games.
“It (the Champions Cup) is a great competition, obviously, because of what it has given me and my family. The atmosphere for it in La Rochelle is special because of what we did. We need our bow against Bristol.
“Our force was always, like Munster back in the day, the 17,000 in the Stade Deflandre willing us over the line. Now, they sit down and watch a game. That can't happen. It's the same with our team, but we have to give them something to shout about.
“It's a dogfight because every game is difficult in the top 14. People who might be involved don't understand that it's a break.”
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated Sky TVstreaming service NOW and the The Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out here.
