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EXCLUSIVE: Cory Jane has been targeted by the Western Force as a replacement for James O'Connor.
Sunday News has been told the Force have been in discussions with Jane for a while but they have increased their eagerness to secure him after losing Wallabies star O'Connor to the Rebels.
It was announced yesterday O'Connor was going to the Rebels for two years, a couple of days after he turned down a take it or leave it contract offer from the Force.
To satisfy their fans the Perth-based franchise need a marquee player on their books to make up for the loss of O'Connor and that's where the 22-test All Black fits in.
While Jane would admits he hasn't had the best of seasons for the Hurricanes, he has been clearly upset by the turmoil going on in Wellington under Mark Hammett.
There has also been talk of Jane picking up a massive deal in Japan, he could go to the Force for one year and then head to Japan.
The Force's overseas player is David Smith, who's heading to Toulon next season. As Smith is a wing, it's another reason Jane would be a perfect fit for the Force.
Like a number of players, Jane wasn't talking to the media after last night's game and it was left to Piri Weepu to sum up the situation at the Hurricanes with so much uncertainty hanging over players' futures.
"It's pretty emotional for myself," Weepu said.
"I saw Neemia and Horey's family and the emotions are running pretty high.
"Obviously it is the end for some of the boys and I'm pretty sure they'll be holding their heads high because we went out there and did it for the team."
As for the controversial sacking of Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore, Weepu said it could have been dealt with better.
"It definitely could have been handled better, without going too far into it," he said.
"There's been some lessons learnt and there's nothing we can do now."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/s...wing-Cory-Jane