Ronan O'Gara was blown away by his induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
The Munster and Ireland legend was honoured at an event in London today alongside fellow inductees Liza Burgess (Wales), Pierre Villepreux (France) and Bryan Williams (New Zealand). Stephen Larkham (Australia) was honoured in Sydney last week
"It's pretty spectacular. I didn't know what to expect. It's hugely humbling and fantastic," he said.
“It’s hugely humbling” @IrishRugby’s Ronan O’Gara on what it means to be inducted into the #WorldRugbyHOF pic.twitter.com/e1AbCbr0V5
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 12, 2018
"It wasn't on the radar. Every young boy dreams of playing for their country for the first time.
"It's amazing, though, when you get into it, how you just become overpowered with such positive thoughts.
"It's a great day for me and my family, but also your primary school, your secondary school, Cork Constitution Munster, Ireland, the Lions, Racing, Crusaders. A lot of people have made me get here.
"I'm smart enough to realise I played a team sport and I'd some awesome pack of forwards in front of me that made me look good.
"I'll be thinking about those boys this morning, especially one or two guys who aren't still with us."
The Irish Examiner columnist also spoke on stage about what rugby has given him.
.@RonanOGara10 speaks about the enjoyment of “his journey” as he is inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame as inductee No.139 #WorldRugbyHOF pic.twitter.com/4CzvWcViBB
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 12, 2018
"Rugby has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with and get the best out of brilliant people.
"Playing in the number 10 role, someone like Michael Lynagh was probably the world-class model I looked at, and Ralph Keyes at my own club.
"They were the people that inspired you and the longer you’re in it, your ambitions become bigger and you don’t know where to stop."
.@RonanOGara10 signs his name to the World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee book #WorldRugbyHOF pic.twitter.com/0hFjrPY6Rc
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 12, 2018
The five latest inductees bring the total in the Hall of Fame to 142 since it's inception in 2006.
Here they are, your five newest inductees to the World Rugby Hall of Fame.#WorldRugbyHOF
Stephen Larkham - #138@RonanOGara10 - #139
Pierre Villepreux - #140
Bryan Williams - #141@bird_burgess - #142 pic.twitter.com/s5FHIVkpEe— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 12, 2018
