O'Young to hang up boots

[Thequeerone]

Wow - thought he was here forever if you know what I mean - quiet and steady a much needed cool head - hope his future gives him everything he deserves and more

[James]

Also got Cordingley and Kingi already signed at Melbourne Sheikh so they have an old head and a young gun.

Ohh yeah. Forgot about that. I guess its pretty promising depth wise. A while back (2008) there weren't too many 9s to rub together. Now there are 5 guys who all have a realistic shot at a Wallabies spot playing for different teams (Genia, Burgess, Valentine, Sheehan, Kingi) and Josh Holmes, Justin Turner and Ben Lucas are pretty hot on those heels.

[The InnFORCEr]

RUGBYWA MEDIA ALERT
Tuesday, 20 April 2010

O’YOUNG SETS SIGHTS ON NEW COURSE

Inaugural Emirates Western Force halfback Chris O'Young will call an end to his Super Rugby career following the 2010 season after more than 50 matches at the top level to join accounting firm KPMG.

O’Young started his career with the Waratahs before being recruited by the Force in their debut season and quickly established himself as one of the clubs most consistent performers. A quiet achiever, he went about his job without fuss to become the fourth most capped player in franchise history.

“The fans in Perth have made it extremely enjoyable to play my rugby here,” O’Young said.

“The support from the Perth community for the club since the day it started has been exceptional.

“I never took my rugby career for granted and just set out to enjoy every minute of it and have been able to achieve that in Perth,” said O’Young.

An astute tactician on the field, O’Young has worked just as hard off it, studying to attain an Economics degree before undertaking a MBA with the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Working part time with Bankwest and KPMG during his playing days, O’Young will now pursue a full-time position with the leading accounting firm within their Corporate Finance Division in Perth.

The 29 year old believes the move to play with the Emirates Western Force was the one of the best decisions he has made and is looking forward to continuing to call Western Australia home.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the seven years I’ve had in the professional rugby environment, five of them in Perth, and now I’m looking forward to getting into the ‘real world’ so to speak and the challenges that will bring,” said O’Young.

“My body still feels pretty good and while there have been offers from overseas I felt like I needed the change of environment to tackle the next stage of my personal development.

“Perth is a great city to play rugby and make a career afterwards. My decision to stay is based purely on how much I like the culture, the lifestyle and the great people I’ve got to know over here.

“I’m looking forward to doing my bit for the team over the remaining games this season.

“We have a great bunch of lads with enormous potential to be a very successful side. I’m confident the building blocks are there to do that and I’ll definitely be cheering them on from the stands next season and beyond.”

Name: Chris O’Young
DOB: 03/03/1981 (29yrs)
Super 12/14 matches: 53 (8 Waratahs; 45 Emirates Western Force)
Emirates Western Force Debut: Rd01, 2006 v Brumbies
Honours: Australian Sevens 2002-03

[beige]

Good to see he invested his time wisely and has life after professional rugby sorted out. Best of luck to him - always gave us good service despite being perennial number two on the pecking order.

[Burgs]

From reading that, if I was from Wanneroo I would be STFU and hoping like hell he gets itchy feet by next season.

[blueandblack]

From reading that, if I was from Wanneroo I would be STFU and hoping like hell he gets itchy feet by next season.

I was just wondering if he would play rugby at the local level.

[Blackswan]

From reading that, if I was from Wanneroo I would be STFU and hoping like hell he gets itchy feet by next season.

Not to put too fine a point on it ........... but if he's working for KPMG in the CBD, what are the chances some other "prestige" club will be after his services ? After all there's a few that will need some additional money to entice even more players away from the 'less fashionable' clubs.

[force addict]

glad to see he enjoys it here and is sticking round after rugby. Thanks Chrisso, your services were greatly appreciated

[Sheikh]

Yep, if Chrisso is staying around, they'll be a pint down at the Bowlo for him whenever he wants one!

[BDAVEY]

glad to see he enjoys it here and is sticking round after rugby. Thanks Chrisso, your services were greatly appreciated

be good to see him do some coaching even at junior level........ we dont want to lose him from the rugby network

[normie]

Onya, COY, all the best.

[Thequeerone]

Really nice tribute to him on ABC News tonight - he looked chuffed at all the attention - he deserves it

[JediKnight]

Thanks for your time at the COY. A solid performer and a team-man. Best of luck with the new career.

[Elf1]

Thanks for your time at the COY. A solid performer and a team-man. Best of luck with the new career.

What Jedi said

[jono]

Yep, if Chrisso is staying around, they'll be a pint down at the Bowlo for him whenever he wants one!

motion seconded