O’Connor handed Super opportunity with Melbourne
RISING Warringah Rats prop Rory O’Connor has answered an SOS from the Melbourne Rebels to bolster the forward stocks of the battling Super Rugby franchise.
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RISING Warringah Rats prop Rory O’Connor has answered an SOS from the Melbourne Rebels to bolster the forward stocks of the battling Super Rugby franchise.
He is now training with the Rebels in Melbourne after initially signing an eight-week contract which could be extended until the end of the season.
“They have a few injuries and they said there was a spot on the bench,” O’Connor said.
He hopes to make his Super Rugby debut on Saturday’s local derby against the Brumbies at AAMI Park and will then definitely travel with the squad to South Africa because they need to take five props away.
O’Connor, 22, is one the new breed of rugby props who is as mobile as a backrower and possesses terrific ball skills.
“First things first, I will see how I go at training and they have been pretty positive about me getting a game pretty quick.” O’Connor said.
And his call up is a reward for O’Connor who has a reputation for his dedication and the work he puts in both on and off the field.
“I have to prove myself and it is a big challenge, but this is where you want to be,” O’Connor said.
“My actions will speak whether I can handle myself at that level.
“It’s what I have always wanted to do and has been building for the last three years and it is good to get a chance.”
O’Connor had spent the off-season training with the Waratahs but there have been no vacancies for him in their Super Rugby squad.
While he is super excited about his opportunity, O’Connor will miss pulling on his Rats’ jumper.
“It’s so tough to leave but I will be back,” he said.
While Rats coach Darren Coleman was disappointed to lose O’Connor for the next eight weeks at leastt, he said it was a great chance for the young forward.
“He has been trying to become a professional for a long time and that’s the nature of the Shute Shield,” Coleman said.
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