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The Emirates Western Force’s discussions with James O’Connor on a possible return to the club in 2014 have come to an end following his decision to take up a playing opportunity in Europe.
The Force had been in talks with O’Connor with the possibility of the utility back returning to the club in accordance with the non-negotiable standards and values the club has worked hard to put in place.
Following the Australian Rugby Union’s decision to not offer him a contract in 2014, the Force encouraged him to take time away from rugby to consider his playing future and to assess if he felt his development would be best achieved in Australian rugby.
“We have been informed by James directly that he intends to continue his playing career in Europe for the time being, The Western Force and RugbyWA wish him well in these endeavours,” RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said.
“The Western Force has laid strong foundations of standards and values – particularly around earning respect – and our discussions with James included on- and off-field programs that we believed could assist him in becoming the player he aspires to be and to develop himself as a person.
“James has made the decision that is right for him at this point in his playing career and the club remains open to recommencing these discussions again in the future if James wishes to return to Australian rugby.”
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Disappointed but as somebody said on another thread it was only ever going to be a bonus - Cummins was the important signature. Now we can get on with 2014.
All the best to JOC and hopefully he can get his life sorted.
Be interesting to see who he signs for.
Racing Metro perhaps or one of the lower French clubs.
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He will never play for the Wallabies again IMHO.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Not fussed one way or the other but it sounds like he took the easy option
Well thats me done iv lost all respect for the guy and not because he wont be at the Force next year but because he has taken the easy option and run after the money.
Just shows that he doesnt respect the Gold jersey his team mates or the rugby fans of australia.
Have fun in Europe dont come back you money hungry drop kick.
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i saw a figured quoted someone was offering him a million (presumably Euro's) hard to pass that up
Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game Uno.
Way to show how soft the boy is. Good luck, hope you never come back!
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Good on him for going, might get him out of the fish-bowl and help him re-assess what he's doing. If he doesn't, then it's somebody else's problem now, not the Force's.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
I wouldn't be surprised if he only goes over there for a year to get away from all the media speculation etc and earn a good bit of money before joining the force in 2015 and trying to get a world cup spot.
Still a shame, he is a very good player and should have continued to get better. Losing him, Digby and Beale in the same year from the Wallabies is a blow but lucky they have been replaced with Folau, Cummins, Tomane and Speight to come. Plenty of depth in the outside backs.
I think it's a one-year thing too. He should have done this the instant he was cut from the Rebels, instead of buggering everything up with the Force and the ARU. The very fact that it was taking so long for the Force to say "yes" to signing him shows the problems during negotiations. If it was a case of redemption, he would have been cap-in-hand saying "please sign me," but it was going to-and-fro forever.
Some time out may do him some genuine good.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
Glad he's going to Europe. I was concerned he might hurt our brand.
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Now you're officially my woman. Kudos! I can't say I don't envy you.
well, I think it was a win - win situation for the Force here. I am proud that they did not compromise their standpoint with regard to team standards and protocol.
I am disappointed that JOC has seemingly taken the easy/money option, but I don't begrudge him that. now he can go and iron out his issues at another team's expense.
onwards and upwards for the Force!