Former Munster Rugby fly-half O’Gara - who tops the all-time European Cup points-scorers' list with 1,365 - joined the TOP 14 club during the off-season after two years with Super Rugby winners Crusaders.

He comes with vast European experience, having won two European Cups with Munster in 2006 and 2008, something Gibbes is keen for O’Gara to pass on to La Rochelle, who reached the Champions Cup quarter-finals in 2018 and the Challenge Cup final last season.

“He’s been through it with Munster [Rugby], through struggling to get out of the pool to then trying to win finals, to finally overcoming the adversity and winning with Munster, so I think he can share with the group a lot of valuable experiences for this competition,” said Gibbes.

“I think he’s brought a massive amount of experience, both from playing and in his short coaching career so far. I think being with the Crusaders for two years has accelerated the process for him.”

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Gibbes also highlighted the different style of coaching that O’Gara can offer, having also spent four seasons as defence coach at double Champions Cup finalists Racing 92.

“For our group he’s brought a real stimulation, a different style of coaching,” he said. “It challenges all the players to be able to think and understand their role, and why their role makes a difference for other players around them.

“He gives the challenge, but in a positive way for the players and I think they’re starting to respond really well. The video sessions are always interesting.

“The next challenge is to keep building on the quality of training and put all that stuff into the performance each week. But, you know, I think his experience in this competition is going to be really valuable for this group.”

La Rochelle director of rugby Jono Gibbes feels the addition of head coach Ronan O’Gara to his staff will help the French side in their quest for a first European trophy this season.