James O’connor quits Emirates Western Force – Rugby news
Australian Super Rugby franchise, Emirates Western Force, has confirmed parting ways with the impressive, young talent and wallaby international, James O’ Connor. Officials confirmed their decision in a statement released on their website on Wednesday, June
15.
O’Connor is currently serving a one-week ban handed over by the South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby (SANZAR) for his tackle on the Reds’ captain in last weekend’s encounter. Since his debut for the Force, O’Connor has played 38 games for the Perth
based Western Force and was this year’s top scorer for the Force in the Super XV.
The decision is the most surprising development and is nothing less than shocking for rugby fan and followers. O’Connor last week ruled out the chances of joining the Reds.
Rugby Western Australia Chief Executive Officer, Vern Reid, has expressed his disappointment at the decision. However, he confirmed that the he has done everything that was possible to retain the impressive youngster at the Force.
Providing the details of the incident, Reid confirmed that the discussion with the O’Connor and his manager lasted for a little over four months, in which different factors were addressed. He specifically pointed out that he tried his best to create a win-win
situation for both parties on contract length and remuneration factor.
Reid further added that last week, the club has handed over a final contract to the star utility back player and instructed him to return the signed contract at 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 15. However, he confirmed that they did not receive any response from
O’Connor.
Reid commented, “It is with a great deal of regret that we will farewell James, however we can be certain that we did everything we could to retain his services and that our offer was fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the Western Force and
rugby in WA.”
Western Force head coach Richard Graham too has expressed his disappointment on the departure of the O’Connor from the club. However, Graham has backed the management decision on the contract’s term and conditions.
Graham said, “We all know that James is a wonderfully talented player however the terms that were being asked of us by his management were, in our view, unacceptable irrespective of the player in question.”
Graham praised the Force’s rugby development programme that has brought out so many international rugby players of which O’Connor was one. He reiterated Western Force’s commitment that they continue to recruit exciting young players and develop them into
international standard players.
Graham further added, “There will be plenty of conjecture about what James' departure means in terms of our future on the field and I can reassure our members and supporters that our goals do not change.”
The club management has expressed his thanks for O’Connor’s services to the club and wished him best of luck for his domestic and international future.
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