AP
3 October 2013
James O’Connor’s playing future is in tatters after the controversial back was released from his £350,000 contract with Australian Rugby Union and then told by the Western Force to take a break from the sport.
The decision follows his latest off‑field indiscretion, which saw him thrown out of a Perth airport just hours after playing in the Wallabies’ victory over Argentina last month.
The Force were the only Australian Super Rugby side interested in signing the talented 23-year-old (above) after he was released by the Melbourne Rebels in July.
But the club said in a statement: “We remain open to the possibility of O’Connor’s return to the club provided he understands and observes the club’s non-negotiable standards and values.”
