The shine has well and truly gone off former Wallabies golden boy James O’Connor who will have to take a massive pay cut to continue playing rugby in Australia after being released from his ARU contract.
The 44-Test back will not be considered for the Wallabies’ November tour to Europe and will only receive match payments next year if he makes it back into the Test side, taking a hit of up to $400,000.
The heavy penalties come after an ARU investigation into O’Connor’s behaviour when escorted from Perth airport by Federal police over a dispute with airline staff three weeks ago.
He was initially stood down from Wallabies’ final two Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa and Argentina, who they play in Rosario on Saturday.
ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the penalty was the culmination of a “numerous incidents” involving 23-year-old O’Connor.
“We have determined that James must make some changes with respect to his off-field responsibilities and ensure that this approach is consistent with the values of our game,” said Pulver.
“We are hopeful that James will stay in Australian rugby and play in next year’s Super Rugby competition and that he sees this as an opportunity to re-focus his attitude.”
O’Connor, who was cut from the Melbourne Rebels after this year’s Super Rugby season, is in negotiations for a return to the Western Force.
If he signs, dependent on his behaviour and form, he will be considered for Wallabies next year, but only receive match payments of $14,000 per Test, with no ARU top up on his contract.
Pulver said it was a difficult decision but best for the team and for Australian Rugby.
“James is a player with huge potential and someone who has the capacity to make a significant long-term contribution to our game but after assessing the evidence of numerous incidents, we have an obligation to uphold the values of our game and James understands that.
O’Connor, who is spending time with his family on the Gold Coast, contacted Pulver and Test coach Ewen McKenzie to apologise before he issued a statement.
“I want to apologise for any issues that I have caused and I want express my respect for my teammates, the Wallabies and the jumper,” O’Connor said.
“There is nothing more important and rewarding to me than representing my country.
“I want to say again that I do appreciate the impact that some of my actions have had on my team and the sport in general.
“I recognise that given my actions and the circumstances it is best for the team and myself to go in different directions in the short term.
“I remain focused on earning my place back with the Wallabies and will be looking for the right opportunity to do this.
“I realise I need to earn back a lot of respect, and that is exactly what I plan to do both on and off the field.
“I want to wish my teammates and the Wallabies the best of success and I will be supporting you fully in the coming months.”
O’Connor’s rap sheet includes a one game ban after missing the Wallabies’ 2011 World Cup squad announcement, an alleged public scuffle in Paris in 2010 with teammates Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale, being photographed on a 4am burger run with Beale days before the second Test against the Lions earlier this year and missing Robbie Deans’ final team meeting as coach after the Lions series loss.
