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FORUM / RUGBY /  James O'Connor to return to the Reds

James O'Connor to return to the Reds

Started by Beeno111 REPLIES164 VIEWS· 27 Dec 2014, 19:22
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BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
27 Dec 2014, 19:22
#1
27 Dec 2014, 19:22#1

Redsman will no doubt be pleased and hope James has leat how to behave whilst out of the poor home environment he had in OZ which leads so many down the wrong path.

ExSport 24


Toulon - Australia back James O'Connor says he will leave Toulon after Sunday's Top 14 clash against Stade Francais after "a great six months" with the French champions.

The 24-year-old is heading home to join the Reds in a bid to boost his chances of being selected for the Wallabies' 2015 World Cup squad.

"I've picked up so many things from my time here," he said on Saturday.

"I've learnt a great deal from this team. Playing with top players gives you confidence.

"There's a real culture of winning here, I'm sure the boys are going to win the Top 14 and the European Champions Cup."

Explaining his decision to return home he added: "I'm going back to Australia in the hope of fulfilling a dream: to play in the World Cup.

"I will do everything to earn my selection, first of all in the Super 15, then with the national team."

O'Connor was dropped by Australia in September 2013 in the wake of an incident at Perth airport that reportedly saw him escorted from the premises for arguing with airline staff.

The then Australia coach Ewen McKenzie declared that O'Connor would have to "modify (his) behaviour" if he wanted to resurrect his international career.(Poor Ewen was sacked for his efforts!)

The player noted: "I didn't leave on good terms. I've got things to prove to my country."

O'Connor has turned out 10 times for Toulon, scoring four tries with a total of 59 points.

Reflecting on his Top 14 spell he said: "I've grown up. I've really developed my game, especially in attack, in learning how to make good decisions. I understand rugby better now."

He quits Toulon meanwhile with fond memories of his half year in France.

"I love the way of life in France, the culture and their style of living suits me perfectly.

"I reckon it's the ideal place for me to better express myself both on and off the pitch."

Well lets hope Goosen for one returns a better PLAYER. I am sure he will be able to teach the frogs about good behaviour. Unlike poor James.

SA
Saffolk Captain30,741 posts
27 Dec 2014, 23:37
#2
27 Dec 2014, 23:37#2
Old news
DE
DennyCaptain12,893 posts
28 Dec 2014, 00:20
#3
28 Dec 2014, 00:20#3
 3 Mon ths old to be exact
DB
DbDraadCaptain26,388 posts
28 Dec 2014, 01:04
#4
28 Dec 2014, 01:04#4
 Well obviously it wasn't so certain as you thought or something else to make them run the story again...so much for not killing the messenger.
SH
ShezzaPro2,471 posts
28 Dec 2014, 04:09
#5
28 Dec 2014, 04:09#5
 Still only 24, bloody hell makes me feel old
DE
DezertFoxPro2,288 posts
28 Dec 2014, 20:10
#6
28 Dec 2014, 20:10#6
I don't understand why Australia doesn't just let Beale, Cooper and JOC go. They are far more trouble than they are worth. They just so happen to be worth little. The three Lambie's of Australia. 
It's not as though either one is a badly behaved Carter. Nothing of note to consider. 
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
29 Dec 2014, 00:49
#7
29 Dec 2014, 00:49#7
If he has matured & is ready to be a team player the good on him, I have my doubts but we will see.
DB
DbDraadCaptain26,388 posts
30 Dec 2014, 00:53
#8
30 Dec 2014, 00:53#8
 Stat, Carter in his prime never played for the convicts.
CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
30 Dec 2014, 14:48
#9
30 Dec 2014, 14:48#9
 
Awesome player!!

Would make my test team any day of the week.

Thing is ... where do you play him? Even though I rate him as the better overall player I can't see him replacing Folau at 15. 

Great to have him back in Super Rugby.
DE
DezertFoxPro2,288 posts
30 Dec 2014, 17:24
#10
30 Dec 2014, 17:24#10
Draad, I was making an example. If they were as good as that, yet problematic, then you could understand the ARU not dropping those players. The reality is that this unholy trinity of rugby have never delivered on the field. Whenever they play I feel much more confident of Bok success. 
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
30 Dec 2014, 18:18
#11
30 Dec 2014, 18:18#11
 They are all good players but lacked discipline. They are learning the lessons of life. Its still not to late for them but foul up again and it would most liklely be tickets.
DE
DezertFoxPro2,288 posts
31 Dec 2014, 13:15
#12
31 Dec 2014, 13:15#12
They are grossly overrated. JOC was the best of them though. 
— END OF THREAD —

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