James Horwill has no qualms about Reds signing James O’Connor, trusting in the culture at the club

NEW Reds signing James O’Connor will have any self-centred edges sandpapered from his game by the strong team-first culture at the club.

SUNBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 12: James O'Connor of London Irish poses for a portrait during a Premiership Rugby player feature on March 12, 2014 in Sunbury, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

NEW Reds signing James O’Connor will have any self-centred edges sandpapered from his game by the strong team-first culture at the club.

James Horwill was unaware on Wednesday that O’Connor had agreed to terms, so the six-year skipper could only speculate on how unnamed recruits would fit in at the club.

Courier-Mail reports that the 23-year-old has signed a two-year deal.

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Horwill was Wallabies captain during last year’s tour by the British and Irish Lions when O’Connor’s 4am burger bar visit in Test week and missing the bus to training riled teammates.

When asked if he had any reservations about O’Connor joining the Reds, Horwill said he did not.

James O'Connor is looking to return home so he can play for the Wallabies at the 2015 World Cup.

“Look, I think anyone who comes here will come for the right reasons and fit into our culture,” Horwill said.

“I think that’s the most important thing we’ve stressed: No matter who comes, whether they are a Test player or a young guy coming in, they have to come for the right reasons.

“That’s because they want to play for Queensland and fit into our way of playing and doing things our way.

“I’m sure if (coach) Richard (Graham) and (Queensland Rugby boss) Jim (Carmichael) didn’t see that in any individual, then they wouldn’t go down that path.”

Horwill said he had “full trust” the right call would be made when saying his busy involvement with the Wallabies meant he’d hadn’t spoke to Carmichael about recruitment since May.

One hard-hitting Queensland-bred flanker won’t be part of the Reds’ solution to their backrow deficiencies because Angus Cottrell on Wednesday re-signed with the Western Force for two years.

Lock Horwill led the way in the 36-20 smashing of the Melbourne Rebels last Friday and must again for the Reds to win in Perth over the Force on Saturday night.

No Sias Ebersohn (torn bicep) means Zack Holmes will be at flyhalf for the Force.

Originally published as James Horwill has no qualms about Reds signing James O’Connor, trusting in the culture at the club