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Rumours surrounding the movements of James O’Connor continue to heat up as the Melbourne Rebels appear to have secured another key signing. While unconfirmed, The Roar understands that the O’Connor deal is all but done, with the talented Wallaby and Western Force fullback set to confirm the move to the Rebels on Monday.
The Rebels are fresh from announcing the signing of Kurtley Beale from the NSW Waratahs.
O’Connor has been in career best form for the Force and would establish a world-class backline with close-friend Beale.
O’Connor is originally from the Gold Coast in Queensland, which led to speculation about the young Wallaby returning home to play with the Reds.
However, it is understood that money from the Rebels continues to come as the Melbourne club look to make a serious assault on the Super Rugby title in 2012.
The Western Force will be rocked by the loss of the versatile O’Connor, with the club announcing they had retained Nathan Sharpe and hopeful of building a team around Wallabies flanker David Pocock and O’Connor.
There is speculation the Force may now struggle to hold onto Pocock as he comes out of contract at the end of 2012.
Quade Cooper is also under attention from the Rebels, with his interest sure to be boosted by the prospects of playing with Wallabies team-mates O’Connor and Beale.
The other piece of the puzzle is flyhalf Danny Cipriani. The English player is on a two-year contract with the Rebels, but reports have suggested he is looking to make a move to France.