James O’Connor’s future in Australian rugby could be in doubt after the Wallabies flyer was reportedly removed from Perth Airport and barred from taking an international flight because he was intoxicated.
The 44-Test winger was not allowed to board his scheduled flight to Bali following the Wallabies’ win over Argentina on Saturday and was escorted from the terminal by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers.
A statement from AFP to various news outlets said officers: “spoke to a 23-year-old man at Perth International Airport in the early hours of the 15th of September (Sunday)”.
“It is alleged the man was intoxicated. The airline the man was booked to travel with made a decision not to allow him to board the aircraft. The AFP subsequently escorted the man from the terminal.”
It is understood most of the squad flew back to their home states the next morning ahead of a bye week in the Rugby Championship, while O’Connor was booked on an Air Asia flight to Bali with his girlfriend.
The Wallabies fly out of Australia on Saturday for a two-week tour of Argentina and South Africa.
News Limited reported that the ARU launched an investigation into the incident on Sunday but were satisfied with O’Connor’s version of events relayed from Bali.
He had reportedly told the ARU there was a dispute over seating arrangements at the gate which led to O’Connor and his girlfriend being taken back through customs to re-book seats on a later flight.
He allegedly denied being drunk and there was no mention of the AFP.
Currently without a Super Rugby club, O’Connor has been linked to a move back to the Perth-based Western Force, where he first came to prominence.
O’Connor has been involved in several controversies in recent times.
He was dumped from Super Rugby club Melbourne Rebels earlier this year, was photographed at 4am at a fast food outlet in the lead up to a British and Irish Lions Test and has been disciplined or cut from the Test team for missing team meetings.
The 23-year-old had acknowledged that he needed to turn over a new leaf with new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie who said he’d make it perfectly clear what the expectations were of his players in regards to discipline.
“There’s definitely things that I already have changed and am in the process of doing, personal things,” O’Connor said after McKenzie’s appointment in July.
“I don’t play rugby to be talked about off the field.
“I’m playing rugby because I love it and that’s what I want to be doing, playing for my country.”
Jack
Guest
My apologies...i tried to edit my comment but it wouldn't work...I said "Deanes" through out when I should have said "McKenzie"....I know why...(getting on??) and that was because I was also pondering Giteau having just watched the 1997 (?) game on the TV today against England. (won by 2 points) ..and have been pondering the very same sort of old bull-young bull issue between those two and O'Connor and McJenzie at the same time There's a consistent or underlying if you like problem in the ARU and it ultimately goes to the Board.....in the meantime it has to be dealt with at coaching/ sports psychology level and to do that they have to demystify what's "going on" and whether there is a profound problem in the whole setup as well as in the Board. Me Culpa!!
Mike
Guest
No, Tindall did not "win the World Cup" and O'Connor had not "just beaten Argentina". They are players, not teams. In any case, what is the relevance of this? Johnson's point stands: even if the worst reported about this incident turned out to be true, it is mild by the standards of other players.
Mike
Guest
Coming from the king of the obtuse, that's rich. When you have a reply of substance to my post, I will be happy to respond to it in kind.
Englishman
Guest
But Tindall had just won the World Cup. O'Connor had just beaten Argentina by one point. JOC, Kurtley, Quade - an embarrassment to the jersey. Trevor Allen must be spinning in his grave. I know all about thin resources etc but your selectors ought to dispense with their services and find less 'talented' guys with more heart and brain.
soapit
Guest
i really hope you're being deliberately obtuse there.
The V Man
Guest
If I was playing for Australia I would be drinking too!
Mike
Guest
What on earth does this article, or most of the comments, have to do with stats? That is the funniest suggestion so far.
soapit
Guest
hit the nerve regarding 'oh man this guys here trying to start arguments with zero substance in this article as well' if it was directed at me or anyone else personally interesting your cahones didnt allow you to post it as a reply to someones comment. surely you must have some james oconnor stats you could have thrown in and misinterpreted for us rather than just try a vague insult addressed to nobody in particular?
Mike
Guest
Ha ha, my reference to uselessness hit a nerve did it, Soapit? You were right to take it personally, old chap.
soapit
Guest
have you ever tried keeping your trap shut when you have nothing to offer?
BenG
Guest
I wasn't just referring to JOC with this comment but the whole team...
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Did Leguizamon score that try on Saturday? He was wearing 8 on his back and subjectively it appeared to be him. Did the match officials sight his driver licence or passport to confirm that it was in fact him, or did they make reasonable assumptions based on their observations? Your demand for unequivocal proof instead of considered and reasonable judgement by responsible personnel can be met, with consequential three mile long airport queues and three hour rugby matches. Media "cook-up"? "Cook-up?" I assume you mean "beat up." In any event I doubt it - a reporter camped at Perth Airport at 3am or 5am on a Sunday hoping for a scoop badly needs to run a basic cost benefit analysis on how he's sourcing his supply!
Mike
Guest
I am glad this has happened - fun to watch a number of roarers fulminating uselessly. Keep at it boys - your impotence is amusing, but well deserved.
onetruegame
Guest
We're you in the seminary too, Stillmissit?
Rash
Guest
Was O'Connor breath tested or blood tested for alcohol at the airport ? If not it would be subjective what his level of intoxication was, if any. I smell a media cook-up here.
Aussie in London
Guest
Yep, I wouldn't imagine any of the Hawks or Dockers would have gone to Bali last weekend just because they have a bye. I realise that Im using a bit of an extreme here, but they are in the MIDDLE of an importnt series
Shungmao
Guest
Gold, absolute gold!
Roy
Guest
Very true...I can just imagine how quickly Jake White would have dropped him. The Wallabies need the Brums culture...and quickly
Roy
Guest
Love it!
Johnno
Guest
The ARU now have an integrity officer it's his job. Not Link's or Pulver.