James O’Connor has revealed that a move to the Sharks was on the cards before family circumstances convinced him to stay in Australia.
The 64-Test Wallaby, who spent last season with the Leicester Tigers, had been linked with a switch to Durban, with reports suggesting Sharks coach JP Pietersen was keen to acquire the services of the experienced playmaker.
O’Connor has now confirmed the interest was genuine.
“I did look at it but that was before the pregnancy,” O’Connor said on the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast.
“It would’ve been unreal. Obviously I did New Zealand. My mum’s parents are South African, my grandad’s from Durban, so that would’ve been a cool experience.”
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However, the 36-year-old said the prospect of becoming a father changed his priorities.
“As soon as the news came through it was like, I don’t particularly want to be in South Africa, I want to be around my family in Australia.”
O’Connor and his wife Bridget are expecting their first child, with the veteran confirming they are preparing to welcome a baby boy.
The former Wallabies flyhalf has no plans to return to Europe either.
“I won’t be going back north. The wife, Bridget, is pregnant … we want to stay put in Australia now. I feel like it’s time to plant some roots here.”
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While ruling out a move to South Africa, O’Connor admitted Japan remains a possible destination later in his career.
“There’s always the opportunity to shoot to Japan.
“I do feel like I’ve got another good year left of rugby in me playing-wise, but I have ambitions to coach as well, so I’m just trying to figure out how I can blend the two.”
Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images
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