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WALLABIES teenage sensation James O'Connor will remain with the Western Force in Super rugby for the next two years.
0'Connor, 18, considered following Wallabies five-eighth Matt Giteau from Perth to the Brumbies, who argued his rugby development would be better served in the nation's capital.
But the Force were desperate to keep O'Connor and the Brumbies could not match the big third-party money on offer in the west.
O'Connor was also settled in Perth and felt a sense of loyalty to the Force, who gave him an opportunity as a 17-year-old last year.
The anticipated signing of former Springbok five-eighth Andre Pretorius at the Force also influenced O'Connor's decision to stay.
After scoring three tries in a man of the match performance for the Wallabies against Italy in Canberra last Saturday, O'Connor will start at fullback against for Australia against the Azzurri in Melbourne on Saturday night.
The Force's stocks have risen significantly in recent days with former Wallabies prop Matt Dunning confirming a move from NSW Waratahs yesterday.
Dunning, 30, has signed for two years.
Source:http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...013406,00.html
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........."
That was written by Brett Harris. Just wait till I check the calendar. Gotta be the first of April.
Meanwhile can somebody alert the Sydney police and tell them to look out for a troll standing on top of a bridge.![]()
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
I'm saying nothing til it comes from the ARU or RWA...
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Lets get that formalised and then celebrate - but worth cooling the beer while we wait!
Jambooi
Well...a decision on a Tuesday...... Good for him I hope it works out...
Now we Just need to wait for the official media release...
So I guess Sand Castles Pretorius is confirmed but not yet announced... There'll be plenty of news for the West tomorrow... It must have been the Dunning factor....
I'll still be take'n the Wild Horses at +13 with sportsbet.... Shastaman
yay
BOKKE“Let me put it this way, A Springbok team contains Afrikaners, Englishmen, coloureds and blacks. It has parochial foes in Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, Cheetahs and Lions. It is a recipe for war! Yet in all the years of John Smit’s captaincy, there has never been one unhappy customer, not one voice of rebellion against his leadership. He is the glue that holds the Springboks together. The man is a legend!”- Jake White
I'm going to hold my breath til we get ourselves a quote from JOC himself... But am holding back a very loud BOOYAH. Come on James!
A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry
I feeling like saying thank @%$*. But this is the same Bret Harris that has spent the last month saying that JO'C would be DEFINITELY going to Canberra so not going crazy yet.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
When the Brumbies withdrew from getting JO'Cs signature... this is the young outside speedster they're closely looking to sign...
FAST WAY TO THE TOP
AFTER just seven games of club rugby, Sydney University's Clinton Sills has been thrust into Australia's under-20s team to contest the remainder of the Junior World Cup in Japan.
A standout for Australia at the IRB Sevens tournament, where he scored seven tries in four games, Sills is yet to play first-grade rugby, being plucked from Uni's Colts team on the advice of Sevens coach and Junior World Cup selector Michael O'Connor.
The Scots College graduate is a champion sprinter and believed by experts to be one of the fastest players in the country.
The indigenous speedster was a South Sydney Rabbitohs junior.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...664890100.html
Bloody hell Mud, can you leave one thread not about the Brumbies![]()
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"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/forc...0616-cggj.html
"Force deny O'Connor deal is done
* June 16, 2009 - 5:07PM
The Western Force have denied a report they have re-signed teenage sensation James O'Connor for the next two Super rugby seasons.
Force chief executive Vern Reid said no deal had been done with O'Connor, despite a website report on Tuesday suggesting the talented utility back had signed on.
"I've just been made aware of the story and, while it would be wonderful and most welcomed news if James had decided to stay in Perth, at this stage we have received nothing official from James or his management," Reid said.
O'Connor had previously stated he would hold off on a decision on his future until the Force secured a five-eighth......."
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue