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Fox Sports is this morning reporting that Michael O’Connor will be appointed to the newly-created independent selector role for Rugby Australia.
Rugby Australia are yet to confirm or make comment on the news, although Fox Sports claims multiple sources are confirming the appointment was made yesterday at a monthly board meeting.
The role of independent selector was created at the end of last year, following an intense review into one of the worst seasons in Australian rugby history.
Scott Johnson’s role of director of rugby was created at the same time, as the board looks to give embattled coach Michael Cheika more support in a busy World Cup year.
O’Connor previously served as the Australian men’s rugby sevens coach from 2008-2014, leading the side to a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but leaving the team before their bronze medal effort at the 2014 tournament.
Prior to that, he served as national selector from 2006-2007.
His playing career spanned both rugby codes, with the Canberra native making his Wallabies debut in 1979 and playing 13 Tests over four years.
He had more success in league, however, enjoying a strong ten-season career split between St George and Manly-Warringah. He starred for the Sea Eagles in the 1987 decider, while also appearing 19 times for New South Wales in State of Origin and collecting 18 caps for the Kangaroos.