James O’Connor joins London Irish

As expected, James O’Connor has joined London Irish until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old utility back, who was released from his ARU contract earlier this month after being thrown out of Perth airport, is expected to make his Premiership debut this weekend at Madejski Stadium when London Irish plays Northampton Saints.
The Mercurial but troubled star revealed he also spoke to clubs in France and Japan but Australian director of rugby Brian Smith and the Exiles’ expensive style of rugby tipped the scale in their favour.
He said, “Having decided that I needed a change from both a personal and playing point of view, I spoke to clubs in Japan and France, and concluded that the best way forward for my development was to move to England.
“Given that I’ve left my support network back in Australia, London Irish offered me an environment that I felt comfortable with.  The club is renowned as a welcoming, family club throughout the world, it has a highly regarded Australian Director of Rugby in Brian Smith and plays a style of rugby that appeals to me.
“In England and Wales they play a very high-pressured, territory based game. I thoroughly believe I can improve elements of my game by playing in the Aviva Premiership.”
London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “James is a world-class player and a terrific kid and it is fantastic to have him at London Irish.
“He will bring a huge amount of experience to our group and will fit in well to our style of play. He is fit and ready to play so the coaching group will get him up to date on everything and hopefully he’ll be ready to go this weekend.”
Watch the video of the press conference below (courtesy of Nick Heath @Rugbymedia)