Reports suggesting that Matt O’Connor, the Australian head coach of English Premiership club Leicester, may resign to lead Western Force have been dismissed by the club.
It is reported that O’Connor is a top candidate for the Perth-based franchise, which is searching for a new coach following Richard Graham’s sacking in April.
Nevertheless, the Tigers maintain that O’Connor, who has a past with the Brumbies and Australia A, will not be permitted to make a return to Australia.
Richard Cockerill, Leicester’s director of rugby, is keen for O’Connor to prolong his tenure at Welford Road beyond the conclusion of his current contract next year.
“Matt has not sought the position, nor does he plan to,” Cockerill stated.
“In fact, I have already begun to discuss the possibility of him extending his contract and remaining here for a longer duration.”
O’Connor, who has been with Leicester since 2008, has developed a solid partnership with Cockerill that has yielded significant success on the field.
Under his leadership, Leicester’s attack scored 70 tries in 22 regular-season matches, leading the Tigers to the Premiership final, where they were defeated by Harlequins.
by Buford Balony
