O’Gara Ruled Out Of Quarter-final Trip

Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara has been ruled out of the province’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Biarritz on Sunday, having injured a right knee ligament in Celtic League action.

The 28-year-old – Europe’s all-time top scorer with 649 points – sustained the blow in last Friday night’s 24-8 league win when he collided with Gwent Dragons flanker Jamie Ringer.

A scan in Cork confirmed O’Gara will miss Munster’s last-eight date with Biarritz in San Sebastian, but he could be back for next month’s semi-finals should the province progress.

Team boss Jerry Holland said: “If there is any such thing as good news in this situation it is that medical advice suggests that should Munster advance to the semi-final Ronan will be available.”

Former Ireland international Paul Burke – who converted all three of Munster’s tries against the Dragons – looks an able replacement, nonetheless.

He kicked two penalties and a conversion in Munster’s final Pool 4 win over NEC Harlequins two months ago, when deputising for O’Gara – the victim of a broken bone in his right hand.