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WESTERN Force could potentially withdraw their interest in James O’Connor based on the outcome of an Australian Rugby Union investigation into the Perth airport incident.
Head of the ARU integrity department, Phil Thomson, is due to interview O’Connor today after the 23-year-old was denied entry on a flight to Bali on Sunday for being intoxicated, and was later removed from the airport by police.
The Force, who are the only Australian franchise interested in contracting O’Connor for next year, announced yesterday it was monitoring developments.
"The Western Force club is aware of the reports regarding James O’Connor and is awaiting the outcome of an investigation being conducted by the ARU," a spokesman said.
O’Connor and his former club had all-but been agreed to terms some weeks ago, and a signed deal was waiting for the 23-year-old to finish negotiating a top-up contract with the ARU.
It is understood the findings of the ARU probe could be a deal-breaker, however.
But after conversations between O’Connor and the Force began with the youngster making confronting admissions about his behaviour and habits, the airport matter is being regarded seriously by the club.
While the Force are desperate to recruit Wallaby talent — particularly for publicity and crowd-pulling power — concerns about the impact of ongoing disciplinary issues from O’Connor damaging team culture is a concern to players.
Wallaby teammate Ben McCalman said recently: "He was very successful when he was here a few years ago.
"He’s a great player to have on the field. He’s very skilful, with natural talent.
"But in saying that, we’ve worked very hard over the last year to set values and standards through captain Matt Hodgson and the senior players.
"We’d love to have him here, but not at the cost of compromising what we’ve already set up. Hopefully he sorts those things out and he ends up here."
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Originally Posted by GIGS20
