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Western Force open to bringing back James O'Connor
Days after former Wallaby James O’Connor revealed he wanted to represent Australia again, one of his former clubs have expressed interest in his signature.
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Eleven years after O’Connor made his Super Rugby debut as a 17-year-old with the Western Force, the club have come calling once more.
Former teammate and Western Force Head of Elite Performance Matt Hodgson said O’Connor was being looked at as the side gear up for another run in their World Series Rugby competition.
“That’s the type of player we’re looking for,” Hodgson said in an interview with ESPN.
“Obviously knowing James quite well, he’d potentially be one we’re looking at. I think he fits the criteria we’re looking at, especially leading into a World Cup year.
“Like James mentioned, [if] he is interested in coming back for the World Cup, then this is a good avenue and something we would potentially look at.”
The 28-year-old, who hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2013, currently plays for Gallagher Premiership club Sale Sharks but revealed earlier in the week that he had “a deep desire to play for the Wallabies again.”
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“I have learnt from my mistakes and I am now ready,” O’Connor posted on Instagram.
“Ready to bleed green and gold. Ready to bleed for my brothers. Ready to bleed for the people.
“I will be back playing in October and I will have my eye firmly on the World Cup. I will not let myself or anyone down again.”
The Wallabies are currently approaching the tail end of their Rugby Championship campaign and will play against South Africa next weekend.
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