JOC (James O'Connor) to Rebels as well?

[The_Brown_Hornet]

It happens constantly. So long as the supply of young players coming through the junior rep and club systems persists and that we are able to keep the bulk of our quality players in Australia, I think overall we are fine. So proper attention to those pathways is key here I think.

 

[Burke's Boot]

The Force so desperately need marquee players too. I can handle my Tahs losing a player as we have depth but this is shit! The Rebels have now replaced the Brumbies as my least favourite Australian side.

 

[Joe Mac]

This is massive news. Is it confirmed?

 

[James Buchanan]

Well, his response to it all on Twitter is:

Hey guys - appreciate all the support and interest. Focussed on game this weekend - all else will be sorted in due course. Cheers tweeps.

Take from that what you will.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Decent backline - Phipps, Cipriani / Gilbert, JOC (James O'Connor), Mortlock, Vuna, Some other winger, Gerrard / Gilbert. Leaves the Force looking like Tahs-lite in the backs though.

Isnt that other winger Lachlan Mitchell?

 

[Joe Mac]

Isnt that other winger Lachlan Mitchell?

It is for now. It will probably be Drew Mitchell by next Friday

 

[Moono75]

Well, his response to it all on Twitter is:



Take from that what you will.

Richard Graham has reponded similarly on twitter that it's not true that JOC (James O'Connor) has signed elsewhere. I hope for our sake he is in the know!

 

[James Buchanan]

Richard Graham has reponded similarly on twitter that it's not true that JOC (James O'Connor) has signed elsewhere. I hope for our sake he is in the know!

I'm pretty sure its the case that JOC (James O'Connor) hasn't signed anywhere yet. Whether or not its a fait acompli that he will sign is another question. There is simply too much noise at this point to ignore.

 

[Bradley]

What is the difference between the rebels and the other franchises? Private equity. We have seen it happen this week with nathan tinkler and the knights and the signing of the best coach in the nrl. The tahs talk salary cap restrictions while harold mitchells dollars do the business

 

[AngrySeahorse]

It is for now. It will probably be Drew Mitchell by next Friday

Lol, classic. Though I shouldnt laugh it very well could become a reality the way things are going.

I found this on Kiwi website http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=29807

Does anyone rate the word of Inside Rugby editor Mark Cashman? Because he's saying its a done deal going by this article.

 

[Tank]

If Cips stays, I would have thought Rebels backline becomes:

9 Phipps
10 Cips
11 Vuna
12 JOC (James O'Connor)
13 Mortlock
14 Gerrard
15 Beale

with probably a 5:2 split of Kingi and Inman on the bench. Still with Huxley, Hilgendorf, L Mitchell, Rooney and Afusipa missing out...

Forwards are not quite as strong though - if they could sign a world class blindside, they become the new Real Madrid (if not already...)

 

[The Mayor of Perth]

Media Release just out, which should fill all Force supporters with confidence. What ENDS???

statement re: james o’connor
*
The Emirates Western Force is continuing negotiations with James O'Connor's management with both parties committed to the process.
*
ENDS
*

*

 

[matty_k]

Just in from twitter
Greg Clarke

Before you Rebels fans start celebrating remember O'Connor can't officially sign until he signs a new ARU deal and that hasn't been done

and from JO'C

Interesting - only headlines expecting on Monday is big win for the Force reports not right

 

[ChargerWA]

Gutted............ assuming it is true (I suspect it will be).

Oh well, life goes on. If he goes, best of luck to Rabs and hope he finds what he is looking for. Not having a dig, but if he doesn't want to be here, we are better of trying to find someone who does.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Done deal?

 

[REDinCPT]

This is disappointing but not disastrous. They’ll find more talent but I think they need a change of gameplan first to starting winning a few games.

When fully fit, the Force still has one of the best backrows in the comp, if not the best, but so do the Cheetahs. I have always assumed that there was an issue with the Force’s back room staff that so many of their players were picking up injuries, but maybe this is more a result of a gameplan which relies so heavily on their backrow and focusing their defense on getting their hands on the ball (as with the Cheetahs). I think a change of tactics is required to keep their guys fit.

 

[dobduff11]

I will cry if JOC (James O'Connor) moves to the rebels no doubt about it. Just got my 2011 Force Shirt with 12 on the back with O'Connor on the top.

Also I really don't want to have to like/support the rebs, no allegiance means I support where my fave players play. Used to be a brumbies fan when Gits was in his heyday. Then I found out he was a complete tool

 

[Moono75]

I will cry if JOC (James O'Connor) moves to the rebels no doubt about it. Just got my 2011 Force Shirt with 12 on the back with O'Connor on the top.

Also I really don't want to have to like/support the rebs, no allegiance means I support where my fave players play. Used to be a brumbies fan when Gits was in his heyday. Then I found out he was a complete tool

Perhaps not a done deal just yet. I hope the Force throw everything at this contract as the outcome of this will define the Force for the next 3 or 4 years. We have to keep JOC (James O'Connor) onboard and build around him and Pocock.

 

[Aussie D]

Rumours are that Cips is leaving Melbourne to return to Europe so JO'C would be a natural successor for the 10 jumper (Gits syndrome?). Backline for Rebels could be: 9 Phipps 10 JO'C 11 Vuna 12 Mortlock 13 Inman 14 Sipa 15 Beale.

 

[Bowside]

Cipriani signed a 2 year contract. He is here until the end of next season, and after how he played tonight I don't think any European club rates him highly enough to buy out his contract....