Force still unsure on O’Connor

Super Rugby outfit Western Force claim to be no closer to knowing whether they can hold on to Wallaby star James O'Connor next season. [more]

Force still unsure on O’Connor

Super Rugby outfit Western Force claim to be no closer to knowing whether they can hold on to Wallaby star James O’Connor next season.

There has been intense speculation surrounding the future of one of Australian rugby's hottest properties and O'Connor is set to make a decision in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday the mercurial back Tweeted: "Journos everywhere at training – nothing finalised yet tweeps n want you guys to be the 1st to know. Hopefully have something for you soon."

Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and the Force were all in the hunt to secure O'Connor's signature.

And Force forwards coach Nick Stiles insists there have been no new developments.

"There's a lot of talk but I think it's all coming from the media," Stiles told the Western Telegraph.
"I don't know what his decision will be.

"When James is ready to make his decision I'm sure you guys will be the first to hear about it.

"We feel we've got good development tools in place for him.

"We've recruited strongly. He came here and developed as a player and if he wants to continue developing, there's going to be a good opportunity for him to do that here."

O'Connor is set to return to action against the Reds after missing the last two games with a shoulder and neck injury.
But scrum-half Brett Sheehan insists the speculation surrounding O'Connor's decision is not a having an affect on the Perth-based squad.

"It's not a distraction. It's got nothing to do with us," said Sheehan. "We can only get on with our own work and the team's work.

"If it's going to be a distraction it probably will be for himself. Unfortunately that's rugby these days. It's professional sport and teams all around the world want certain players and he's just the number one pick at the moment.

"He's an exciting young player. We know the talent he has.

"I'm sure it's a tough decision for him. It's obviously going to affect all parts of his life, so all the luck to him."

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