Irish and Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara has applied to the Irish Patents Office in an attempt to copyright his unique style of tackling.
In what would be a first for world sport, The East Terrace has learnt that O’Gara has asked lawyers to look into copyrighting his ‘unique and original sporting technique’. If the patent was approved O’Gara would be entitled to royalties from any other player who used the move during a competitive match.
O’Gara’s style is almost unheard of in professional rugby as it involves the fly-half standing fully upright as an attacker approaches, turning his head away, closing his eyes and gingerly sticking his arm out before travelling backwards at speeds of up to 50mph.
O’Gara has used the technique for many years, most notably producing the breathtaking move in his recent appearance at Croke Park in the European Cup.
In what would be a first for world sport, The East Terrace has learnt that O’Gara has asked lawyers to look into copyrighting his ‘unique and original sporting technique’. If the patent was approved O’Gara would be entitled to royalties from any other player who used the move during a competitive match.
O’Gara’s style is almost unheard of in professional rugby as it involves the fly-half standing fully upright as an attacker approaches, turning his head away, closing his eyes and gingerly sticking his arm out before travelling backwards at speeds of up to 50mph.
O’Gara has used the technique for many years, most notably producing the breathtaking move in his recent appearance at Croke Park in the European Cup.
Whilst legal experts are doubtful that O’Gara will successfully attain the patent, the issue could be a difficult one for world rugby. If O’Gara chose to enforce ‘performance rights’ for use of his tackling method he could earn millions.
Experts believe that his method would earn almost nothing from the professional side of the game, rather the income would flow in from junior and mini rugby as nine year olds are the most likely market to employ the O’Gara method.
One top level coach praised O'Gara's style: "You can't really coach Ronan's style. It's instinctive. You can either do it or you can't."
Experts believe that his method would earn almost nothing from the professional side of the game, rather the income would flow in from junior and mini rugby as nine year olds are the most likely market to employ the O’Gara method.
One top level coach praised O'Gara's style: "You can't really coach Ronan's style. It's instinctive. You can either do it or you can't."
It was great to see him use this tried and tested technique in the six nations against Wales. It proved very effective as Wales pummeled him in attack. Well done Ronan.
Posted by: Ben | May 08, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Like it! Do you reckon the Springboks might have noticed?
Posted by: Total Flanker | May 09, 2009 at 06:25 AM
Really sad Leinster fans won't see Contepomi 'bounce' anyone in a Leinster jersey again.
Fortunately for Munster/Ireland fans, O'Gara, even though 'bounced' will get to play in the Munster, Ireland and Lions jersey shortly.
Wonder will Leinster fans ever learn that 'bouncing' isn't everything its cracked up to be!
Posted by: janeymac08 | May 11, 2009 at 07:56 AM
Here is another good video of O'Gara:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wZjz3n0rSU
Posted by: janeymac08 | May 11, 2009 at 08:04 AM
I wonder what the Spanish word is for Road Kill, because that's about what the Argentine made of of O'Gara...
Posted by: Nursedude | June 07, 2009 at 11:24 PM
"...standing fully upright as an attacker approaches, turning his head away, closing his eyes and gingerly sticking his arm out before travelling backwards at speeds of up to 50mph."
Hey ! there's some copyright infringement there ! that was ewactly MY style of tackling some years ago...
Posted by: Frederic | June 29, 2009 at 06:37 AM
Oh wait, hang on, he did play in the 2nd Lions test... and look what happened.
He's the most overrated fly half in world rugby, and has been a passenger for Ireland, carried by better players throughout his career.
Posted by: Oli | September 04, 2009 at 04:35 AM
that's lame, patent some tackling technique? give me a real brake!
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