Ahead of Ireland’s defeat to France on Friday in the Rugby World Cup French tabloids printed stories stating that the highly rated fly half, Ronan O Gara, has accumulated large debts through betting on horse racing.

Yesterday the Munster man who has scored almost 800 points in international rugby said the allegations were completely untrue and brandished them despicable.

The Ireland fly-half admitted to following horse racing and placing bets on the sport, but insisted there is "no truth" to suggestions of a gambling problem.

O'Gara also silenced rumours he has separated from his wife Jess and hoped that by confronting the allegations, they would be laid to rest.

The 30-year-old said: ``It was difficult for a day or two after these stories came out.

``The most important thing is that people who know me realise there is no truth in these stories whatsoever.

``I'll be seeking advice to find out what is the best way for my wife and me to deal with the stories.

``The gambling affront doesn't bother me because I'll say it straight up - I do back horses and do it frequently.

``I own racehorses and have placed bets since I was 18.

``It was said in L'Equipe that I owed 300,000 euros. That's a load of nonsense.

`` The Munster and Lions fly-half continued: ``But the fact I have a troubled marriage is quite disappointing to hear. It's not for me to say I have a perfect marriage.

``Like everyone else little things happen but that's behind closed doors at home.

``I love my wife and she loves me, that's all I can say on the matter.

``My wife is a primary school teacher and I didn't expect this kind of rubbish. I rang home and braced her for it. I thought 'Jesus, I can't believes it's in the papers'.

Ireland seem destined to exit the competition at the group stages. Mathematically the men in green still have a chance of progression but that eventuality seems increasingly unlikely.