Reformed James O’Connor ready for Wallabies return, says Matt Giteau
Former Australia teammate says exiled winger is a changed man after his spell in France
Exiled Australia winger James O'Connor is a reformed character and ready for a return to international rugby in time for next year's World Cup, says former Wallabies fly-half Matt Giteau.
O'Connor had his Australian Rugby Union contract torn up last year when he was escorted out of Perth airport by police after a drunken row - the last in a string of disciplinary problems.
He’s a totally different guy, he’s been phenomenal. He trains hard and honestly he’s been really good
A lack of Australian Super Rugby suitors saw the versatile 44-test back head abroad to London Irish and then on to French club Toulon, where he linked with former Wallabies Giteau and Drew Mitchell.
"Myself and Drew were probably the first guys to say 'I don't know if we should sign him' because of the guy he was when we left Australia," Giteau told the Sydney Morning Herald in Paris.
"But he's a totally different guy, he's been phenomenal. He trains hard and honestly he's been really good.
"He's got to do all the right things to get himself in the best position for the World Cup squad. He's a huge talent and a great player. I think he's developed as a person."
O'Connor, who was the second-youngest Wallaby in history when he made his test debut as a teenager, will return to Australian rugby next year with the Queensland Reds.