The 34-year-old fly-half got the nod to start in the World Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday but was unceremoniously hauled off and replaced by Jonathan Sexton, who now looks primed to permanently assume the No.10 mantle.

Following Ireland’s pool-stage victory over Australia, O’Gara had suggested that the World Cup in New Zealand would be his international swansong but the Munster fly-half has since claimed his comments were misinterpreted.

And after returning home following Ireland’s exit, he has seemingly implied he is ready to continue as part of Declan Kidney’s side.

"I'm 34 and new talent is coming through, so we'll see what happens, but you don't ever turn your back on a great country," said O’Gara.

"Irish rugby has been so good to me, you don't walk away from that.

"Coming home at this stage is disappointing, but that's the way it goes at this level.

“France have lost twice, Wales have lost once and Australia have lost once, yet they're still in the competition. We've lost once and we're home.

"We had a great bunch of lads, great camaraderie and a lot of highlights to take away from the competition."