London Irish ready to reveal deal with James O'Connor

London Irish are poised to announce the signing of James O’Connor on a short-term contract.

The Premiership club have called a press conference for tomorrow morning when they are expected to confirm the deal for the controversial Australian.

Saracens have also been interested in O’Connor but Irish appear to have won the battle for the mercurial utility back, who will give the Exiles another kicking option. O’Connor’s boot could have helped Irish defeat Newcastle yesterday when Shane Geraghty’s rushed last-gasp attempt fell short and they lost 13-11.

O’Connor’s contract with the Australian RFU was terminated due to off-the-field incidents which have left the 23-year-old struggling to convince the doubters he can win a recall for the Wallabies’ 2015 World Cup campaign.

But London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith is a big fan of 44-cap O’Connor.

“He’s a world-class player, he’s a terrific kid,” said Smith. “Any team in England or in France would be lucky to have him.”

O’Connor accepts he must move to England to save his career and said in a statement: “I have decided I will be moving overseas next month as part of a short-term playing contract. I am in final discussions with several clubs and will announce the new partnership in the coming days.”

London Wasps fly-half Andy Goode was in superb form with the boot as he helped defeat Leicester 22-12 at Adams Park. Goode gauged his kicks to perfection in the swirling wind to finish with 17 points — including two drop goals — against his former club.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Andy was outstanding as he steered the ship and kicked the important goals. A lot of people have knocked him this season but he showed today why I wanted him to join us in the summer.

“I never thought the game was safe until three or four minutes from the end. We made it difficult for ourselves in the second half as we allowed them to gain field position. Our defence for the 10 minutes that we were down to 14 men, when Carlo Festuccia was sin-binned, was crucial and the difference between winning and losing.”