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James O'Connor's move to the Chiefs reportedly blocked by Rugby Australia
By Online Editors
James O'Connor's quest to join the Chiefs next year is over before it began with Rugby Australia blocking his request for a release.
The Herald understands the Wallabies playmaker approached the Chiefs about moving to New Zealand next year, citing a strong desire to test his skills in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
O'Connor's parents are New Zealanders, and he holds a Kiwi passport after spending the early stages of his life here, so he viewed the potential move to the Chiefs as a homecoming of sorts.
The 30-year-old returned to Australia from the Sale Sharks in 2019, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds, having not played for the Wallabies since 2013.
After impressing from first five-eighth with the Reds and Wallabies this season O'Connor sounded out several All Blacks about moving to the Chiefs.
The Chiefs were led to believe a release was a mere formality but Rugby Australia have since rejected O'Connor's request, leaving the Chiefs with Kaleb Trask, Bryn Gatland, Rivez Reihana and Damian McKenzie as first-five options next year.
Chiefs chief executive Michael Collins is disappointed the Hamilton-based franchise missed out on signing O'Connor for next season.
"James approached us and we were keen to sign him but at the end of the day we couldn't get it across the line," Collins said. "It's an opportunity for another player so we've moved on pretty quick."
The Chiefs have instead signed former Hamilton Boys' High first XV captain Rameka Poihipi as the final member of their 2021 squad.
The 22-year-old midfielder made his provincial debut for Canterbury and maiden Super Rugby appearance with the Crusaders in 2018, and also featured off the bench for New Zealand M?ori in their victory over Moana Pasifika earlier this month.
Poihipi joins fellow Chiefs midfielders Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea and Bailyn Sullivan.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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