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Return to Force O'Connor's only hope
RETURN to the Western Force appears to be the only option for Wallabies five-eighth James O'Connor after the Melbourne Rebels decided against renewing his Super Rugby contract.
And the Rebels are said to have had a change of mind about Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale and are now trying to keep him in Melbourne.
O'Connor was expected to stay in Melbourne after exploring other Super Rugby options, but in a surprise development the Rebels have let him go.
Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke thanked O'Connor for his contribution over the past two years, which was "unfortunately limited due to a string of injuries".
"I would like to acknowledge the role James has played in helping the Rebels gain traction in the very competitive sporting landscape in Melbourne," Clarke said in a statement. "After three years in the Super 15 competition, the club is entering the next phase of development." O'Connor has been in negotiations with the Force, where he made his Super Rugby debut as a 17-year-old against the Reds in 2008. He played in Perth until joining the Rebels last year, leaving the Force in acrimonious circumstances.
...But the Force has a new coach now in Michael Foley which could pave the way for a return to Perth.
If O'Connor does not come to terms with the Force, he may be forced to continue his career in Europe or Japan.
With O'Connor gone from Melbourne, there is speculation the Rebels will try to keep Beale, who was expected to return to the NSW Waratahs.
The Rebels appeared to have washed their hands of Beale because of his off-field behaviour, which resulted in him entering a rehabilitation clinic in Sydney for alcohol-related issues.
Their renewed interest in Beale may indicate they have appointed, but not announced, a new coach, possibly Ewen McKenzie, who coached Beale at the Waratahs in 2008.
Beale and O'Connor made headlines when they were photographed at a fast-food outlet at 3.10am four days out from the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.
It is understood Beale and O'Connor also missed a team bus to training while in camp in Sydney before the third Test.
Senior Wallabies are said to be unhappy with coach Robbie Deans's handling of Beale and O'Connor and it may contribute to the ARU not renewing his contract.
If Brumbies coach Jake White is named Wallabies coach, as expected, Matt Toomua may be the next Test pivot, but if Reds director of coaching McKenzie gets the job, it could be Quade Cooper.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226675638202