JOC to be lured to Rebels?

**jombi** · 16-04-11, 02:56

Sounds like he's gone; http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...415-1dhqz.html

O'Connor will announce on Monday that he has joined the Rebels. He had hoped to keep news of the defection a secret until after the Force's match against the Brumbies tomorrow, to the extent that he has yet to return a signed contract extension to the ARU, but the Herald has learnt that the Rebels deal is done.

SBW, Nonu & McAlister should be our targets. Maybe Olivier & Steyn.

**doobie69** · 16-04-11, 06:58

He's waiting to see which players re-sign and also who else the Force manage to lure over for next season. Plus he's in negotiations with the Force and sponsors so no reason to make up his mind yet. Why would he rush his decision? Usual journo speculation bullsh*t. he's going to Melbourne for talks next week so great timing for the rabble to get a home thrashing. Apparently.....

**todd4** · 16-04-11, 09:52

In that article the journo is making a big deal of him wanting to keep the move secret until after the game against the Brumbies....why?? What relevance does the game against the Brumbies have? None, I would say. Which puts some doubt in my mind about what is fact and what is guess-work.

**shasta** · 16-04-11, 10:17

Originally Posted by todd4

In that article the journo is making a big deal of him wanting to keep the move secret ....why?? Which puts some doubt in my mind about what is fact and what is guess-work.

This journalist appears to not know his arse from his elbow. What a surprise. His predictions about the effect of the salary cap on the Force seem to be based in ignorance of how it will work. His comparison to the NRL salary cap shows complete ignorance. The proposed cap will only place the Force on a more equal footing with the other provinces if Wallaby earnings are spread more equitably than is now the case. All provinces will still be at a disadvantage compared to The Rabble until 2016. AFAIK, this salary cap is not even official yet?

A more informed view, surprisingly penned by Brett Harris, of how it may pan out if it becomes official is here........

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226039926885

ONE of the unintended consequences of the ARU's foreign player policy has enabled the Melbourne Rebels to recruit Kurtley Beale.

And it could help them sign James O'Connor to potentially build a Super Rugby dream team.

When the Western Force was admitted to an expanded Super 14 competition in 2006 the ARU, under the leadership of former chief executive Gary Flowers, did not provide the franchise with any recruiting concessions.

**jono** · 16-04-11, 10:31

Originally Posted by BeeJay

If he ends up going it will be bitter tweet!!!

Oh dude. That was terrible!
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**terrycobner** · 16-04-11, 10:44

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**zimeric** · 16-04-11, 11:48