Ronan O’Gara will depart Racing 92 at the end of next month to move to New Zealand.
The former Munster and Ireland out-half will join Super Rugby side Crusaders where he will work as assistant coach to Scott Robertson.
The French Top 14 side confirmed his departure on Wednesday morning, noting they could not stand in the way of a “great development opportunity”.
The Irish Examiner broke the story almost two weeks ago, claiming that O’Gara has agreed a two-year deal.
O'Gara has spent the past five years with French club Racing 92, having quickly made the move to coaching after bringing the curtain down on his playing days.
The Super Rugby champions will begin their pre-season programme at the end of November, O'Gara replaces Leon MacDonald who resigned as assistant coach recently.
Speaking last week, former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said the Munster legend would be a perfect fit for the role:
"He is a very experienced player and coach now,” Deans told the42.ie.
“He would be a great injection to the group. Ronan is respected down in New Zealand for his history and he would be going into a great vehicle.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved really.”
Découvrez le communiqué de Presse du Racing 92 concernant Ronan O'Gara, entraîneur Adjoint dans le staff technique. https://t.co/ujUwojkLqN pic.twitter.com/sqn1mc9DgL
— Racing 92 (@racing92) November 22, 2017
“Ronan O'Gara, assistant coach in the technical staff of Racing 92, at the club since July 2013, has been asked by the New Zealand province of Crusaders to take up the post as of January 1, 2018 of assistant coach in charge of three quarters.
“The former lreland Team No. 10 wished to respond favourably to this proposal, which will enable it to enrich its knowledge of rugby and improve its training methods.
“Racing 92 did not want to deprive one of its loyal servants of a great development opportunity. Thus, despite his contract that runs until 2019, Ronan O'Gara will be released from his obligations vis-à-vis the club at the end of December next.
“For its part, the Racing 92 will obviously compensate for this departure and reorganize to keep all its competitively.
“Jacky Lorenzetti, president of Racing 92, joins his coach Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers to wish good luck to Ronan who notably worked at the conquest of the Brennus Shield at Camp Nou in July 2016.
