D-Day for wayward Wallaby O'Connor

[PeterM]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...llaby-oconnor/

The Australian Rugby Union is expected to reveal today the punishment for Wallaby James O'Connor, who was suspended after being ejected from Perth Airport last month.

It is believed he will be hit with a hefty fine and ordered to have counselling after his latest controversy, one of a series of off-field incidents that have marred his promising career.

However, it is also understood the 44-Test star will retain a Wallabies contract and fly to Perth shortly to reopen talks about returning to the Western Force where he became Super Rugby's youngest debutant as a 17-year-old in April 2008.

_The West Australian _revealed six months ago that the Force were preparing a bid to bring O'Connor, 23, back to Perth and in July he was dumped by the Melbourne Rebels.

Force coach Michael Foley and chief executive Mark Sinderberry have both spoken to O'Connor and his manager David Shand since then but would only be interested in re-signing him on strict terms, with his contract containing behavioural clauses.

Force players have said publicly that though they appreciate his talents, he would be accepted back only if he improved his off-field behaviour. He had addressed Force senior players before the airport incident.

O'Connor left the Force under a cloud two years ago when five months of contract talks broke down amid claim and counter-claim about his demands and after he made the infamous comment that a move to the Rebels would help his "brand".

He had upset some senior Force players with his attitude, but was said to have been emotional at their traditional end-of-season get together when he spoke about leaving.

His Wallabies future was in doubt after the Australian Federal Police said he was escorted from the international terminal after being barred from taking a 5am Air Asia flight to Bali because he was intoxicated.

He was travelling with his girlfriend when an argument began over ticket arrangements. He admitted drinking but denied he was drunk and took a later flight.

He was stood down from the Rugby Championship by Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie for unacceptable behaviour and failing to demonstrate and uphold the behavioural and cultural standards expected by the team.

Australian Rugby Union integrity officer Phil Thomson investigated the incident and O'Connor and his manager were told to present their case before last Friday.

DID YOU KNOW? 44 The number of Tests played by flyer James O'Connor in his Wallabies career so far

[Happy]

BREAKING:
WALLABY star James O'Connor has taken an early release from his ARU contract for 2013 and 2014.

MORE TO COME

[PeterM]

Yeah just seen that unbelievable would love to have his talent sure would beat having to do real work for a living

[The InnFORCEr]

Jamie Pandaram •
The Daily Telegraph •
October 03, 2013 9:21AM

JAMES O'Connor says he "needs to earn back a lot of respect'' after taking an early release from his ARU contract.

The future of the wayward Wallaby is now unclear, with O'Connor unable to earn any top-up payment from the ARU until at least 2015.

He will continue negotiating with Western Force, but would have to take an enormous pay cut, believed to be up to $600,000. Otherwise, his best options would be overseas.

The move follows an investigation into O'Connor's behaviour after he was escorted from Perth airport by Federal police over a dispute with airline staff three weeks ago.

It followed a string of behavioural indiscretions by O'Connor.

"The Australian Rugby Union and I have mutually agreed to put the past behind us and move forward from today," O'Connor said.

"As a professional, I am focused in developing as a person and as an athlete and intend to do everything possible to put myself in the best environment to do that.

"I want to apologise for any issues that I have caused and I want express my respect for my teammates, the Wallabies and the jumper. There is nothing more important and rewarding to me than representing my country.

"I want to say again that I do appreciate the impact that some of my actions have had on my team and the sport in general.

"I recognise that given my actions and the circumstances it is best for the team and myself to go in different directions in the short term.

"I remain focused on earning my place back with the Wallabies and will be looking for the right opportunity to do this.

"I plan to remain on the Gold Coast with my family over the coming weeks as I consider my playing future.

"I will also continue discussions with the team at the Western Force in Perth who has shown incredible faith in me of which I am very grateful for.

"I realise I need to earn back a lot of respect, and that is exactly what I plan to do both on and off the field.

"I want to wish my teammates and the Wallabies the best of success and I will be supporting you fully in the coming months."

At this stage O'Connor hopes to return to the fold by 2015, for the World Cup in England and Wales.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/ru...-1226732025520

[Tazzmania]

This is a critical development for both James and the Force.

If he decides not to go overseas and wants to earn back the respect as he says and wants to do it here in Australia, this can only be a win / win for the Force, the ARU and most importantly James himself.

Taking the article at face value and assumung James was not pushed into the option, which seems likely bearing in mind the way Beale and Cooper were treated with much more serious misbehaviours, I think this bodes very well and I for one will be cheering him on Force colours next year.

[The InnFORCEr]

Coincidence that it happens the day after his mate Buddy signs a $10 million deal with Sydney Swans, KB is back at the Tahs and Rabbit already has a deal with West Harbour...looks like Sydney is the new Melbourne

[jargan83]

looks like Sydney is the new Melbourne

Sydney > Melbourne

And it always has been

[PeterM]

http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsE...4/Default.aspx

[GAFFA]

Statement from RugbyWA: James O'Connor

The Emirates Western Force has encouraged Wallabies winger James O’Connor to take time away from rugby to consider his playing future.

The decision follows the Australian Rugby Union’s announcement that it will not offer him a national contract for 2014.

The Emirates Western Force remains open to the possibility of O’Connor’s return to the club provided he understands and observes the club’s non-negotiable standards and values.

“Our conversations with James and his management regarding a possible return to the Force have been ongoing,” RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said

“These conversations have been thorough and honest, and have included Michael Foley, Matt Hodgson and players. These discussions have been about both on- and off-field matters that we believe can assist James to become the player he aspires to be and to develop himself as a person.

“Since the ARU’s decision, we’ve reiterated our position to James, including the non-negotiable standards and values – particularly around earning respect – that must be upheld by everyone in the team and at this club.

“However, at this point we believe it’s in James’ best interests to take time and reflect on what’s important to him and what he really wants.

“If that is being a part of this club and making a positive contribution to our club culture, then we’d be open to the prospect of continuing those discussions. Similarly, if he believes he would be better suited by taking some time away from Australian rugby, then we’d wish him nothing but the best with those endeavours.”

http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsE...4/Default.aspx

[brokendown gunfighter]

over to you,James

[Happy]

time to move on

[The InnFORCEr]

By Melissa Woods,
AAP
Updated October 3, 2013, 9:00 am


The shine has well and truly gone off former Wallabies golden boy James O'Connor who will have to take a massive pay cut to continue playing rugby in Australia after being released from his ARU contract.

The 44-Test back will not be considered for the Wallabies' November tour to Europe and will only receive match payments next year if he makes it back into the Test side, taking a hit of up to $400,000.

The heavy penalties come after an ARU investigation into O'Connor's behaviour when escorted from Perth airport by Federal police over a dispute with airline staff three weeks ago.

He was initially stood down from Wallabies' final two Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa and Argentina, who they play in Rosario on Saturday.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the penalty was the culmination of a "numerous incidents" involving 23-year-old O'Connor.

"We have determined that James must make some changes with respect to his off-field responsibilities and ensure that this approach is consistent with the values of our game," said Pulver.

"We are hopeful that James will stay in Australian rugby and play in next year's Super Rugby competition and that he sees this as an opportunity to re-focus his attitude."

O'Connor, who was cut from the Melbourne Rebels after this year's Super Rugby season, is in negotiations for a return to the Western Force.

If he signs, dependent on his behaviour and form, he will be considered for Wallabies next year, but only receive match payments of $14,000 per Test, with no ARU top up on his contract.

Pulver said it was a difficult decision but best for the team and for Australian Rugby.

"James is a player with huge potential and someone who has the capacity to make a significant long-term contribution to our game but after assessing the evidence of numerous incidents, we have an obligation to uphold the values of our game and James understands that.

O'Connor, who is spending time with his family on the Gold Coast, contacted Pulver and Test coach Ewen McKenzie to apologise before he issued a statement.

"I want to apologise for any issues that I have caused and I want express my respect for my teammates, the Wallabies and the jumper," O'Connor said.

"There is nothing more important and rewarding to me than representing my country.

"I want to say again that I do appreciate the impact that some of my actions have had on my team and the sport in general.

"I recognise that given my actions and the circumstances it is best for the team and myself to go in different directions in the short term.

"I remain focused on earning my place back with the Wallabies and will be looking for the right opportunity to do this.

"I realise I need to earn back a lot of respect, and that is exactly what I plan to do both on and off the field.

"I want to wish my teammates and the Wallabies the best of success and I will be supporting you fully in the coming months."

O'Connor's rap sheet includes a one game ban after missing the Wallabies' 2011 World Cup squad announcement, an alleged public scuffle in Paris in 2010 with teammates Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale, being photographed on a 4am burger run with Beale days before the second Test against the Lions earlier this year and missing Robbie Deans' final team meeting as coach after the Lions series loss.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...from-contract/

[The EnForcer]

I would bring him back under these circumstances. He has everything to lose if he does not perform for The Force....we win....we get him at a reasonable cost and nobody will blame us if he screws up and we dump him.

Maybe through this he'll realise he needs to gain a shit load of respect for more than just his on field play.

[Tazzmania]

As I mentioned earlier this is the correct move for all parties involved.

Rugby needs to be put first as it has and tough love is being applied to James, who needs to get back onto the straight and narrow and use his tremendous talent he has been given to its best effect.

I think this move will help all parties involved, I just hope now that he is at a bargain basement price the Reds or heaven forbid the Tahs make a late play for him, especially as we appear to have been an honest broker in a difficult set of circumstances.

[The InnFORCEr]

As I mentioned earlier this is the correct move for all parties involved.

Rugby needs to be put first as it has and tough love is being applied to James, who needs to get back onto the straight and narrow and use his tremendous talent he has been given to its best effect.

I think this move will help all parties involved, I just hope now that he is at a bargain basement price the Reds or heaven forbid the Tahs make a late play for him, especially as we appear to have been an honest broker in a difficult set of circumstances.

The ARU would still have to ratify his Super Rugby contract and I doubt they would allow him to be in the same team as QC or KB