Share

O'Connor to join Toulon?

Cape Town - Australian back James O'Connor is poised to join French Top 14 side Toulon next season, according to reports in France.

O'Connor, bidding to force his way back into the Australia team after a series of off-pitch misdemeanours, joined London Irish on a one-year contract in October.

A move to reigning European champions Toulon for the versatile 23-year-old Queenslander was raised by various French media including La Provence newspaper and Var Matin.

According to the latter, Toulon manager Bernard Laporte has confirmed that O'Connor will join the club next season, without divulging the length of contract.

O'Connor moved to English Premiership outfit London Irish after his Australian contract was terminated as a result of numerous incidents.

If he joins Toulon he will link up with former Wallabies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

A move to Toulon could jeopardise his prospects of playing in the 2015 World Cup as Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has gone on record as saying that any player who wants to be considered must play for an Australian province in 2015.

O'Connor made his Australia debut at the age of 18 in 2008 and has made 44 appearances for his country, featuring at flyhalf, centre, wing and fullback.

The former Western Force and Melbourne Rebels man played against the British and Irish Lions earlier this year, notably scoring a try in Australia's third Test defeat.

However, he has developed a reputation as a troublemaker following several brushes with the rugby authorities in recent years.

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

McKenzie subsequently declared that O'Connor would have to "modify (his) behaviour" if he wanted to resurrect his international career.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 946 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 465 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE