Leyds opens up on 'awkward' meeting with Ronan O'Gara

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Dillyn Leyds has opened up on Ronan O'Gara's influence on his career while playing in France.

The former Stormer also shared his "awkward" first meeting with the Ireland legend before joining the French club in 2020.

O'Gara joined La Rochelle in 2019 and he has turned the team into a powerhouse over the last few seasons.

He guided the team to a Champions Cup title last year when they beat Leinster 24-21 in the Final.

La Rochelle are back in the final this season and against the same opponents. They are also in second spot in the Top 14 standings, just two points behind league leaders Toulouse.

Leyds, who was the man of the match in the Euro Final in Marseille last year, gave a glimpse of what life is like with O'Gara as a coach.

"I think everyone in the rugby world knows that ROG [Ronan O'Gara] is the kind of guy who always wants to win," Leyds told Irish media.

"Every little thing, every small detail, nothing is not important to him.

"That’s what he has brought to this club. All we want to do is win and have that feeling every single time. Whether it’s a little battle in training or whether it’s getting into the kick-chase line or something like that – I think that’s the kind of mindset that he has brought here.

"Yes, we can have fun as a group off the field, there are certain times that we can joke and have a laugh, but when it’s time to do your job, do your job, and do it to the best of your ability.

"The direction the club is going now, you can see the kind of players we are attracting, guys want to be a part of this, and he [O’Gara] has obviously done a hell of a lot for the club.

"The players and everyone involved really enjoyed working with him. He has obviously a long-term deal to stay with the club, so hopefully as a group, we can continue to work hard, not just for him, but for each other, and hopefully put the club in a position where we can continue to win trophies."

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While he was still at the Stormers, Leyds recalled his first meeting with O'Gara.

"It was sort of towards the end of 2019, December 2019. It was the first time I spoke to him and at the time Jono Gibbes was the coach. It was a thing over Zoom.

"I think it was pretty awkward for everyone involved because they were asking me questions about…they were more concerned about the type of guy I was within the locker room and off the field.

"They were saying we know your playing ability, so it was just a general conversation, they were interested in the guy off the field, the Dillyn Leyds off the field.

"I started to talk myself up big time, of course," the South African laughed.

"No, I just spoke about who I am as a guy, what I could potentially bring to the club. I said I’m a laid-back type of guy, I like to joke around off the field. It’s all about creating a good environment for me and spending time with the boys.

"That’s how we will end up better on the field. I just spoke about what I’d give to the team and the type of player I am. I think it’s as cliché as it is but put the team above my own interest. I think from my point of view that’s what I’ve shown coming here.

"I pride myself on my work-rate. I think ROG has always been clear to me, he said to me 'I want you to continue working hard on both sides of the ball whether it’s in D [defence] or attack' and he’s always the first one – if I’ve done that – to congratulate me."

Source: Irish Independent