News

O'Connor staying put in Perth

July 29 2009

The negotiation with the ARU is not yet complete, but as far as the Force are concerned, James O'Connor's re-signing is a done deal.

Coach John Mitchell and CEO Vern Reid both said that the Force's part of the contract was complete, but the negotiation with the ARU over what is believed to be a $1m offer is becoming protracted.

"James has committed to the Western Force, but our contracts are a three-way contract between the club, the player and the ARU," Reid said.

"The final details are being worked out and we trust that will happen very, very soon."

O'Connor is perhaps the brightest future talent in world rugby at the moment, haviong made a Super 14 debut at the age of 17 and a Wallaby debut at 18.

He has also met the Queen, and been officially reprimanded off for a food fight during a tour.

With Matt Giteau's departure leading an exodus of stars away from the Force - including Drew Mitchell - O'Connor's signature was the key one for Rugby WA powerbrokers, with John Mitchell also confirming he would be staying for the next two years after weathering huge player unrest this season.

"His major issue is with the ARU, there are some elements in his contract he has got to sort out," Mitchell said over O'Connor.

"But he is with us going into the 2010 and 2011 seasons."