James O’Connor, Leicester’s new Australian recruit, is hoping to bring a touch of sparkle to the East Midlands after finally linking up properly with the Tigers this week. O’Connor’s first spell last month was curtailed when he was swiftly recalled to the Wallaby squad to face New Zealand but he is now back raring to go ahead of his new club’s derby against Northampton on Saturday.
Having only arrived in the UK on Monday, the 35-year-old played a limited part in his first training session but looks set to feature in the matchday 23 against the Saints. The Tigers’ new director of rugby, Geoff Parling, will not confirm his team until Friday but hinted that O’Connor was in line for some action despite his latest long-haul flight. “He’s an experienced operator who gets up to speed quickly, put it that way,” said Parling. “When you’re in business class you can just put your feet up anyway. I don’t think it was too bad for him.”
Leicester are clearly hoping O’Connor will help ignite their attacking game and the player himself is looking forward to the challenge of replicating the form that helped earn him a successful recall to Wallaby colours. He said: “I’ve already had good chats about where I can get into the game, especially on starter plays, in phase play and even in counterattack as well where I’ll hopefully get my opportunities to add a little bit of stardust. Hopefully it’s more diamonds than rocks.”
O’Connor has had two previous stints in the Premiership, with London Irish and Sale, but clearly feels better prepared this time, having rebuilt his stalled career in Manchester. “At Sale that’s where I started my rebuild and really learning the intricacies of rugby. That’s where my love for it came back. It was a tough period for me with injuries and life away from rugby but I rebuilt my rugby and my life.
“Part of the reason for coming back was I wanted to be the best version of myself. When I was 23 at London Irish I was bright eyed. I didn’t really know too much about the game. It was more about beating defenders one on one. I wasn’t a 10 back then but I feel I am now. I feel quite settled in that position. I’m just looking forward to getting the opportunity to pull the strings and hopefully guide the group around the field.”
Parling, who has previously coached O’Connor in Australia, believes it will be a mutually beneficial marriage. “He only arrived yesterday morning,” Parling said. “He didn’t do all of training but he got through a decent chunk. When you’re experienced like he is you’re used to it. You know he’s someone who, off a short run-in, you can get up to speed and someone who will offer ideas around the attacking and strategic side of the game. My experience of him is that he’s really good to work with.”
The former England lock, meanwhile, believes more research is needed to investigate any potential connection between elite sport and motor neurone disease after his ex-teammate Lewis Moody’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease. “I’d say its important for all sports, governments and everybody to research as best they can. Am I qualified to say anything deeper than that? Probably not. But if something’s showing there’s a chance of getting anything like this from intense sport over a period of time then everyone has a responsibility to investigate.”
Parling, along with many others, has been in touch with Moody since learning the news. “All you can do at times like this is offer your support and I’m sure the wider community will also get behind him because of the type of person he is. As a player he was like a hungry dog chasing the ball … he never went away. He was a player who maximised everything he had.”
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Bath have confirmed that Charlie Ewels (knee), Ted Hill (ankle) and Quinn Roux (both knees) will be out for several weeks, with Hill and Roux still awaiting specialist verdicts on their injuries.