In a long-awaited move, it appears James O’Connor may have decided where his rugby future lies — at the Western Force.
Although there hasn’t been any official announcement to date, pending the finalisation of his ARU contract, two of the three franchises that were after his services (Brumbies and Reds) have confirmed that he’s not moving their way.
The mail out of the Melbourne Rebels yesterday was that they had also missed out on recruiting him.
The ACT Brumbies CEO Andrew Fagan said that JOC’s management has contacted all interested parties to tell them the news, and that he’s staying in Perth on a one year contract.
The Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies and the Queensland Reds have all been vying for his services, and that’s not a surprise.
Rabbit O’Connor is turning into an international player of renown, in a number of positions, and at 20 has the rugby world at his feet.
O’Connor was spoken to by Jake White and Stephen Larkham from the Brumbies, and Link MacKenzie from the Reds. He also visited the Melbourne Rebels’ base to check out their facilities, and his parents were wined and dined down there as recently as last weekend.
I think this is a sound decision (pending its official confirmation) and very much in the interests of Australian rugby. The loss of a player of his ability from the West would be a tragedy.
It’s difficult at the best of times to attract players to this Super Rugby outpost and replacing someone of his class would be nigh impossible.
Rabbit was the youngest debutant in Super Rugby history when he was sent on as a replacement against the Reds in Brisbane in 2008 aged 17. He was also the second-youngest player ever to represent the Wallabies when he made his Test debut against Italy in Padova later that year.
He now has 37 caps for the Force and 27 for the Wallabies. This year, he’s one of the top Super Rugby pointscorers with about an 80 per cent goalkicking success rate.
He’s played Test rugby at fullback and on the wing but has moved closer into the action for the Force of late. Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has indicated a potential change to the centres.
I suppose you could call him the ultimate utility as he can play virtually everywhere at a pinch. His ball playing and stepping are the highlights.
This would be good news indeed for the game out West.
