Former Ireland international rugby player Ronan O’Gara has issued a public apology to his wife Jessica following remarks made on national television last week.
During the course of a wide-ranging interview with Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy on Friday night, the ex-Munster player commented: "I wouldn't be nervous getting up on Jessica but I would be nervous kicking a ball".
Speaking on social media this afternoon, O’Gara expressed regret over what he deemed a “very poor joke”.
Back home in Paris. I have apologised to @jessieog and i'm also sorry if i offended anyone else with my very poor joke on @RTELateLateShow.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) February 16, 2015
After a riotous reaction among the audience present, the decorated kicker’s quip generated a huge and varied response on social media.
O'Gara was a high-profile addition to RTÉ's Six Nations coverage at the beginning of last year, and went on to contribute analysis ahead of last weekend's second round of fixtures.