Reds, Brumbies Join Rebels in James O’Connor hunt – Rugby news
Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies have joined the Melbourne Rebels for their pursuit for their pursuit for signing the Western Force and Wallaby star James O’ Connor.
Earlier, it was speculated that the move of the Force and Wallaby all round player to the Rebels would be made on the Monday. However, O’Connor himself negated the report on his Twitter page.
Recently, 20-year-old Western Force’s James O’Connor has been contacted by Super XV leaders ‘Reds’ and Super XV strugglers ‘Brumbies’. Brumbies although are performing poorly in the Super XV but are financially very strong. In fact, Brumbies can exceed any
of the potential offers made to O’Connor. Both Brumbies Backs Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper are set to leave Brumbies at the end of the season.
Matt Giteau will be playing for French Top 14 club Toulon in next season while Adam Ashley-Cooper has confirmed to join Waratahs at the end of the season. Wallaby versatile player James O’Connor who has played at Fly Half, Centre - Inside, Wing and Full
Back has been termed as perfect replacement for Matt Giteau. Brumbies have expressed their confidence in signing James O’Connor.
James O’Connor was the second youngest player in Wallaby’s history. O’Connor made his debut for Australia against Italy in 2008. He has played at different positions as he made his position permanent in the Australian Rugby Team.
James O’Connor has hinted that his decision regarding which team he joins relates to the team’s impact on his own performance and further development of skills. If O’Connor sticks to this benchmark then Queensland Reds have the best of options to land O’Connor. Reds
have and added advantage as O’ Connors friend Quade Cooper is currently playing for them.
Ewen McKenzie, Reds coach has made the first move as he held initial discussion with the Top Scorer of the Super XV James O’Connor. James O’Connor so far has scored 108 points that includes 3 tries, 6 conversions and 27 penalties. O’ Connor is one penalty
behind the Peter Grant (28) who is leading the penalty scorer in Super XV.
Reports are that McKenzie had to introduce himself as James O’Connor was meeting with him for the first time. McKenzie was categorical that he is not inducing O’Connor to leave Force. However if he has made a decision to leave the Force, then he has urged
him (O’Connor) to join Reds.
When asked about the James O’Connor’s response, McKenzie said, “James told me he is basically canvassing his options and suggested I speak with his manager, which I'll be doing first thing (today).”
For now, O’Connor will be gearing up to face the Bulls during the next weekend at Perth.
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