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September 21, 2013

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O鈥機onnor suspended over airport row

Winger James O’Connor has been suspended indefinitely by Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie and will not join the Australian team when it leaves for Rugby Championship tests in South Africa and Argentina.

The Australian Rugby Union began an investigation after seeing media reports that O’Connor was not allowed to board a flight to Bali, Indonesia, from Perth last weekend because he was intoxicated and was later escorted by police from the airport terminal.

It came after a 14-13 win over Argentina that ended Australia’s four-test losing streak.

“I had a chance to look at the circumstances around the incident the other day and had the chance to have a look at incidents over time,” McKenzie said yesterday. “From that, we’re not getting the right type of behavior from him.”

McKenzie said in an earlier statement that O’Connor, who has a history of disciplinary problems, would be stood down “for failing to demonstrate and uphold the behavioral and cultural standards expected within the team.”

McKenzie said no time frame was being placed on O’Connor’s selection availability.

The ARU is continuing its investigation into the alleged incident at Perth International Airport.

New South Wales winger Peter Betham will replace O’Connor in the Wallabies’ 28-man squad for matches against South Africa in Cape Town on September 28 and against Argentina in Rosario on October 5.

O’Connor, who has played 44 tests, doesn’t have a Super Rugby contract, so his latest disciplinary breach could have serious repercussions.

While prodigiously talented, O’Connor does not have a flawless disciplinary record off the pitch and has been involved in a string of incidents while representing his country.

Most notably, he missed the official launch of Australia’s 2011 World Cup campaign at Sydney airport after sleeping in. He was also photographed at a fast food restaurant at 4am with fellow back Kurtley Beale during the recent Lions series, which Australia lost 1-2.


 

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