A Wallabies return next year looks unlikely but not impossible for James O'Connor after the sacked Australian star confirmed he's signed with the UK club London Irish until the end of the season.
The English Premiership club has officially unveiled the 23-year-old utility back as their prize recruit following days of speculation.
O'Connor's new deal will keep him in the northern hemishpere until June next year, deep into the Super Rugby season.
The Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has repeated that it was crucial for O'Connor to be playing Super Rugby next year to be considered for a Wallabies recall.
He's also hinted that he might have preferred the talented youngster to have stayed at home to deal with the behavioural issues which led to the termination of his contract with the Australian Rugby Union.
