The Crusaders have confirmed they are investigating the possibility of signing former Wallabies first-five James O’Connor to fill a problem position for them next season.
O’Connor, 34, played 63 Tests for Australia.
It is understood that he left the Reds last season on the proviso he wouldn’t play Super Rugby for any other team, a potential complication that is forcing all parties to remain silent for the moment.
1News has been aware of the O’Connor-Crusaders connection for several days but the Christchurch-based franchise would only say this morning that: "We have been talking to him and can't provide any further comment at this stage."
Head coach Rob Penney’s willingness to cast his selection net across the Tasman highlights the hole left by Richie Mo’unga, who helped the Crusaders win seven championships under former coach Scott Robertson, before leaving for Japanese club Toshiba after the World Cup.
Fergus Burke, injured for most of last season as the Crusaders slumped to ninth of 12 teams and missed out on the playoffs, would have been a natural successor but left this year for Saracens in England.
Penney also tried Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara, Riley Hohepa and David Havili in the No.10 jersey with little success. In Havili’s case, Penney said the All Blacks utility was the answer there but quickly changed his mind after only one match.
O’Connor, a mercurial talent, flitted in and out of Wallabies squads after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2008.
He was involved in several off-field discipline issues during his playing career and there is a sense in Australian rugby and beyond that he never fulfilled his potential.
O’Connor would bring a wealth of experience to the role and presumably help guide the development of Reihana, 24, and Kemara, 21.
The Crusaders have made a recent habit of signing high-profile overseas players. Argentina loose forward Pablo Matera was a big success story under Robertson, with Penney signing former Wales Test fullback Leigh Halfpenny for last season.
Unfortunately for the Crusaders and Halfpenny, the 35-year-old was injured in a pre-season match and played only one game for the red and blacks. He is now playing for Harlequins in London.
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