FIXTURESNo upcoming fixtures — check back soon.
FORUM / RUGBY /  Rugby: O'Connor released by ARU

Rugby: O'Connor released by ARU

Started by Just_win11 REPLIES182 VIEWS· 03 Oct 2013, 09:45
SHAREXFACEBOOKWHATSAPPTELEGRAMREDDITLINKEDIN
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
03 Oct 2013, 09:45
#1
03 Oct 2013, 09:45#1

James O'Connor is off the Wallabies' payroll until at least 2015 and won't be considered for the end of year tour to Europe as part of his punishment for poor off-field behaviour.

The Australian Rugby Union has announced the decisions following an investigation into the wayward Wallaby's behaviour at Perth airport last month that led to him being refused entry to a flight to Bali.

The parties say they came to a mutual decision that O'Connor would be granted an early release from his national contract for the remainder of this year.

Provided O'Connor plays for an Australian Super Rugby team in 2014, he will still be considered for the Wallabies but will only receive match payments, with no top-up from the ARU in his contract. 

It's a massive financial blow for the 23-year-old.

O'Connor was axed from Australia's Rugby Championship squad, missing the final two games against South Africa and Argentina, who they play in Rosario on Sunday (NZT).

The Australian Rugby Union said O'Connor needed to make significant changes to his behaviour.

"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 ARU chief executive Bill 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.'

Dependent on his behaviour O'Connor, who has played 44 Tests, could be considered for a national contract in 2015.

O'Connor, who was cut from the Melbourne Rebels and is in talks over a Super Rugby contgract with the Perth-based Western Force, 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,' he 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.'

The Australian Rugby Union said O'Connor needed to make significant changes to his behaviour.

"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 ARU chief executive Bill 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.'

Dependent on his behaviour O'Connor, who has played 44 Tests, could be considered for a national contract in 2015.

O'Connor, who was cut from the Melbourne Rebels and is in talks over a Super Rugby contgract with the Perth-based Western Force, 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,' he 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.'

-AAP

 

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
03 Oct 2013, 09:47
#2
03 Oct 2013, 09:47#2
This is a good decision, good for the player and the game.

CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
03 Oct 2013, 10:28
#3
03 Oct 2013, 10:28#3

Cloudy

 

Maybe this would put O'Connor on the straight and the narrow.   He maybe came on the scene too early and lacked maturity.  Thinking that he was untouchable he could do as he pleases and nothing will be done because he is such a good or irreplaceable player.

 

I hope that his talks with the Western Force is successful - and that they employ him.   Otherwise he should perhaps try and get a contract with one of the SA franchises for the year - provided that he gets permission from the ARU - on condition that he still will qualify for Wallaby selection after completion of the contract.   If he goes north he may be a permanent loss to Australian Rugby and I do not think that would be a good thing.

 

A stint in SA playing with a strict and well-behaved captain like De Villiers will probably be a good thing for him.   Although there can always be the odd exception,  in general  the SA Super 15 teams are too strict to allow for off the field  misbehavour and you virtually never even hear a whisper of bad behaviour on the part of players.  No beating of wives or girl friends and no public drunkenness.

CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
03 Oct 2013, 10:29
#4
03 Oct 2013, 10:29#4

Don't know what happened here - but the message got duplicated

CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
03 Oct 2013, 10:29
#5
03 Oct 2013, 10:29#5

Don't know what happened here - but the message got triplicated

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
03 Oct 2013, 10:38
#6
03 Oct 2013, 10:38#6
 Mike: congrats on the status: Hall of Fame!
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
03 Oct 2013, 10:41
#7
03 Oct 2013, 10:41#7

 Just_win

 

Thanks - did not even notice that one.

BO
BoklogicPro1,978 posts
03 Oct 2013, 11:09
#8
03 Oct 2013, 11:09#8
 Unfortunately, JOC's biggest problem is alcohol. He has this self proclaimed importance about himself and as long as he thinks he is bigger than the team, he will never be good for them. 
He doesn't turn up to team meetings and events like the world cup squad announcement. Deans backed him as a flyhalf and he didnt have the decency or respect to turn up to his final team meeting.
Personally I think he thinks he is one of these NFL players that are rolling in expensive cars, attending lavish house parties where women are there for his amusement. He needs to take a long hard look at himself because many aspiring players would give their left nut to have what he has and whilst he is finishing up after a night on the piss at 4am scoffing burgers, they are waking up to hit the gym and dream of being him!
Personally, I hope he doesn't get a contract. So far, everything in rugby has come to easy to him since age 16. Make him start at club level with a day job as his only income. Its up to him to work his way up. Once he understands what the average player has had to do and where they came from, he might cherish what god has given him!
No player in this world is irreplaceable. No players skills should allow them to get away with what O Connor has done. Absolutely no respect for the system, his fellow team mates and friends! Spoilt brat!
BO
BoklogicPro1,978 posts
03 Oct 2013, 11:09
#9
03 Oct 2013, 11:09#9
My guess is that if JOC had to start from grassroots level again, he would not have the character to make it to the top again.
I expect to see him switch codes and try his hand at being a "Benji Marshall" or something like that. He will need the money to fuel his rock star lifestyle.
CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
03 Oct 2013, 11:22
#10
03 Oct 2013, 11:22#10
 
Had it coming.

Stupid kid!!
BO
BoklogicPro1,978 posts
03 Oct 2013, 11:45
#11
03 Oct 2013, 11:45#11
 Thats exactly it..Stupid kid...Just never grew up despite earning massive salaries and having a big fan base. Should have known he was still a laaitie in his head when he modelled himself on a kid like Bieber!
I suppose the Northern Hemisphere will open their doors to him now and he will lose nothing in salary!
IH
IhiClub Pro201 posts
03 Oct 2013, 12:35
#12
03 Oct 2013, 12:35#12
 you become a reflection of the company you keep and cthats the beginning and end of JOCs problems. so few people ever truly learn and i just dont have any faith in him besides hes not irreplaceable and what we have going now is better than what we had with him and beale anyways so he better damn well learn.
— END OF THREAD —

More from Rugby

More news