STATEMENT FROM RUGBYWA: JAMES O’CONNOR

[UNCLE BOOG]

The loss of his ARU top-up for 2014 meant a massive financial blow to O'Connor's playing contract and he conceded some critics would believe this move was about money.

"If I was chasing money it's a lot more lucrative in Japan and France," he said.

"England's going to be tough rugby and it's going to be good for me off the field."

And they were full or didn't want you???

sorry, what did you say, mesmerized by your avatar picture there!

[James]

Does anyone else find it a little bit odd that he keeps referring to having a 'partnership' instead of a deal or a contract or whatever?

[Herbasimplex]

Personally I feel that JOC believed that a contract with the force was too much of a come down for him and with his recent shenanigans depriving him of a wallaby spot he was free to go and pursue a deal in Europe where no doubt he will get more in a season even with the restricted options there for him in the immediate future.

I don't believe for a second the comments coming from JOC stating he is wanting to renew his relationship with the force after his stint in Europe. He did everything he could to rub our noses in his rugby greatness when he trotted off to the Rebels and then held out forever and tried to screw us out of more money this time around than his attitude and temperament valued him at. I think he just wants to put himself in the shopwindow and see if tahs, reds or brumbies pick him up when his contract is up.

Que sera sera. JOC was fantastic was when he was young and fresh, but matured into a bit of a douchenozzle. It's probably for the best that he has gone Europe, the media and supporters can forget about him and he can concentrate on his rugby.

[RugbyRef]

I hear rumours that he is in talks with London Irish.
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[PeterM]

Its good night life down in Reading and only a hop step and a jump to the Capital JOC going to London is like throwing cakes into the biggest loser house

[stejwill]

Now that's resolved I might renew my membership.
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[Ralto]

Does anyone else find it a little bit odd that he keeps referring to having a 'partnership' instead of a deal or a contract or whatever?

Humans have contracts, Brands enter into partnerships.

[Nipper]

sounds like it is indeed a short-term deal, and he's leaving the door open to rejoin the Force.

“I contacted Western Force today to inform them of my short-term move overseas, but my management and I are continuing discussions with the Force about a longer term partnership.

“Both Michael Foley (coach) and Mark Sinderberry (CEO) have been great supporters of mine and I greatly appreciate it.”

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/lates...-london-irish/

[Fullback]

Apparently we still might see him in a Force jersey next year:

"O'Connor, who would play in England from November to May 2014, said he will continue negotiating with the Force about the prospect of playing the final six games of next year's Super Rugby season, and signing a "long-term deal" with them." (http://foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallab...-1226745523171)
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[blueandblack]

The West has him going to England. Wonder if he'll play for Sale (where Cipriani is).

[Alison]

The West has him going to England. Wonder if he'll play for Sale (where Cipriani is).

Hopefully not Bath where Gavin Henson is.

[palitu]

I heard London Irish on the radio this morning.

[The InnFORCEr]

London Irish may be calling for James O’Connor as he leaves Australia


Wed, Oct 23, 2013, 20:19


Discarded Australia back James O’Connor has decided to quit rugby Down Under and seek a fresh start in England – and a possible move to London Irish – but he hopes to return next year and break back into the Wallabies side in time for the 2015 World Cup.

O’Connor, who was released from his Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contract earlier this month after being escorted by police from Perth airport, ended talks with his former club Western Force yesterday.

Following a string of disciplinary lapses, the Perth-based Force were the sole Australian Super Rugby team interested in O’Connor but the richly talented 23-year-old told them he would seek greener pastures.

“It was the toughest decision I’ve ever made,” he told local media. “I’ve spent the last month or so at home on the Gold Coast with my family and friends and have done some soul searching. I’ve just realised that I need to get away from everything and be my own man.

“I’ve got a lot of support structures here that it’s easy for me to rely on so going over there will be a fresh start.”


Money
While he has been widely pilloried for describing himself as a “brand” after leaving the Force in 2011, O’Connor denied his move abroad was all about money.

“If I was chasing money it’s a lot more lucrative in Japan and France,” he said. “England’s going to be tough rugby and it’s going to be good for me off the field.

O’Connor said he hoped to return to Australia in May but his failure to sign with a local Super Rugby side has effectively ruled him out of selection for the Wallabies in 2014, despite hopes the wayward talent might be rehabilitated.

The ARU only allows players who commit to provincial rugby at home to be picked for national duty, though the governing body has previously finessed that rule.

O’Connor conceded the move was a gamble but said he had the support of Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie and Force coach Bernard Foley.

The move caps a stunning fall from grace for O’Connor, who was the starting outhalf during the British and Irish Lions series but was cut adrift by the ARU earlier this month after the Perth airport incident.

The 23-year-old was escorted by police from the airport after being refused access to a flight to Bali because airline staff said he was intoxicated.


Thin ice
That was the final straw for O’Connor, who had been on thin ice following disciplinary breaches during the Lions tour, including being photographed at a fast food restaurant in the early hours of the morning with team-mate Kurtley Beale days before the second Test.

Following the Lions series, he was sensationally dumped by Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels after two injury-plagued seasons.

Only his old club Force were prepared to offer him a lifeline.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugb...alia-1.1570978

[beige]

Force coach Bernard Foley.

[GIGS20]

I wouldn't mind having B Foley involved in the Force setup.....as a player coach if needs be!