Wallabies fans have their say on James O'Connor's potential return

After the news emerged recently that exiled Australian utility back James O’Connor could make a return before the World Cup this year, fans on social media are keen to see the 28-year-old make his comeback.

O’Connor was once the golden boy of Australian rugby, having made his debut at the age of 18. However, his international career ground to a halt in 2013 due to off-field controversies, and since then he has moved to Europe to recover and save his career. 

He has had stints with London Irish, European giants Toulon and is currently with Sale Sharks, but could make a return to Super Rugby to facilitate his selection for the World Cup. 

Under the Giteau Law, O’Connor would not be able to play for Australia whilst playing abroad as he has under 60 caps, 44, meaning he would need to make a move back to his native land. 

The back is part of a contingent of exiled Australians, such as Will Skelton and Scott Fardy, that people are campaigning for to make a return to the national set-up. However, O’Connor looks to be the only player in which that is close to being a reality after these latest rumours. 

Many Australian fans seem to want this move to happen now that he has got his career and life back on track. New South Wales Waratahs fans are particularly keen to see O’Connor in Sydney. 

This is what has been said: 

Decent wing slot actually. Pace and can tackle and play the ball. What we are missing at 11 and 14 right now!

— Huw Tindall (@HuwTindall) June 24, 2019

Tahs please!!!

— Jamie Hevia (@JamieHevia) June 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/CornelVL/status/1143010503700226048?s=20

@NSWWaratahs please!

— Jamie Hevia (@JamieHevia) June 24, 2019

He’s been solid for sale when not injured… probably too soon for the World Cup but would love to see him back in Aus, after a fall season, for and healthy

— WordOfTheLord (@praiseTheLordy) June 24, 2019

The firing of Israel Folau threw the Waratah’s season into turmoil in 2019, and could well affect the national team in the Rugby Championship and World Cup. This will force Michael Cheika to rejig his team, meaning Kurtley Beale may play as a fullback now for the Wallabies. 

This would open a space at 12 for O’Connor under Cheika, or he can play 15 himself. Either way, Australian rugby is crying out for a player to fill the void left by Folau and O’Connor could be that man.

In other news – Taniela Tupou