Super Rugby
Beale wants O'Connor at Rebels
ESPNscrum Staff
June 16, 2011
Western Force fly-half James O'Connor breaks clear, Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, Super Rugby, nib Stadium, Perth, Australia, April 2, 2011
James O'Connor has been linked with a move to Melbourne Rebels © Getty Images
Enlarge

James O'Connor is tipped to join new Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels next year after negotiations with the Western Force broke down on Tuesday.

O'Connor is reported to be unveiled by the Rebels once the player's negotiations with Australian Rugby Union have concluded.

Wallabies team-mate and good friend Kurtley Beale, who has already agreed to join the Victorian side from the Waratahs next season, says he is looking forward to linking up with the fly-half at club level.

"I haven't heard anything, but anyone would like to have a quality player like James in their side," Beale told The Australian newspaper.

"Once it is all confirmed, it will be the right decision for him. I'm sure he will be glad it will be over.

"We are good mates. It would be good to have him down there at Melbourne to take on the experience with and, playing-wise, having a guy inside or outside you who is able to create and do all sorts of things would only benefit my game.

"Working on a combination on last year's (Wallabies) tour, things would jell easier. Still don't know anything yet, but it would be fantastic to have him down there.

"He would be a huge boost. He can do all sorts of things for you on and off the field. He's a special guy. Anyone would be very delighted to have him on board."

Beale may play his last game for NSW against the Brumbies on Saturday if the team fails to win and subsequently qualify for the Super Rugby playoffs.

Depending on results over the weekend, the Waratahs could finish anywhere between fourth and seventh.

Meanwhile, a report in the Sydney Morning Herald suggests that the Waratahs have pulled out of the race for the signature of Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.