Reds & Brumbies interested in signing O'Connor
Article Published: Monday 18 April 2011
The Race to sign James O'Connor took another twist when it was revealed that the Reds and the Brumbies are also interested in signing him.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has already held talks with the 20 year old with a view to finding out if he was interested in moving to the Reds.
"There has been so much newspaper talk about him leaving the Western Force that I thought I would find out for myself where he stood," McKenzie told The Australian.
"I'm not into inducing players to leave their teams and I've always believed that people tend to stay where they are and it's generally hard to get them to leave."
"But if he is determined to leave the Force or he wants a change -- let's face it, he has been with them for the past four years -- it would be crazy not to talk to him."
McKenzie had never spoken to O'Connor before and had to introduce himself before the two chatted briefly.
"James told me he is basically canvassing his options and suggested I speak with his manager, which I'll be doing first thing (today)," McKenzie said.
Indications are that O'Connor will base his decision on where he will play in the future on how it will affect his football which puts the Reds in a strong position as they lead the tournament.
The Reds believe that O'Connor would be attracted to Queensland by the chance of playing alongside his friend Quade Cooper.
The story of where O'Connor will play next does not end in Queensland though as the Brumbies are also interested in signing him and a source close to the Brumbies has told The Australian that the Canberra team are "quietly confident" they can sign O'Connor.
The Brumbies have the funds available to sign O'Connor following the decision of Wallabies backs Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) to leave at the end of the season.
O'Connor would be a perfect replacement for Giteau who will leave for Toulon after the world cup.
