Jerry Flannery today slammed the "appalling" treatment of Ronan O'Gara as the Ireland flyhalf confronts the most challenging period of his career.

Rumours of gambling and marital problems have dogged O'Gara for the past year but only surfaced in print last week during the build-up for Friday's vital showdown with France.

O'Gara spoke publicly about the slurs after the 25-3 defeat to the hosts, branding them "despicable" and "nonsense".

Flannery is dismayed by the controversy that has overshadowed the critical stage of Ireland's World Cup group campaign and today rallied to his Munster team-mate's aid.

"Ronan's a friend of mine and he's disgusted with what's gone on," said the Ireland hooker.

"That's his private life and I don't know why it's in the press. I don't really want to talk about it to be honest.

"Everyone's good friends with Ronan and to see one of our mates treated like that is appalling."

Donncha O'Callaghan also closed ranks around O'Gara, praising at the resilience his Munster colleague has shown.

"It's terrible and shows how professional he is because if I was in his position I don't think I could be as strong mentally as he is," he said.

"All credit to him because last week his eyes were totally on France.

"I can't speak highly enough of him — he rolls up his sleeves and gets on with it.

"He's one of the leaders in the squad. To have that rubbish flying around is very annoying."