Is Matt O’Connor a Force to be reckoned with?

English Premiership club Leicester have rubbished reports claiming their Australian head coach, Matt O’Connor, could quit to take charge of Western Force.

O’Connor is believed to be high on the Perth-based franchise’s wanted list as they look for a new coach following the sacking of Richard Graham in April.

However, the Tigers insist O’Connor, who has previously worked with the Brumbies and Australia A, won’t be allowed to return to his homeland.

Leicester’s director of rugby Richard Cockerill wants O’Connor to extend his stay at Welford Road beyond the end of his current deal next year.

“Matt has not applied for the job and he has no intention of taking it,” said Cockerill.

“In fact, I have already started discussing the possibility of him extending his contract and staying here for longer.”

O’Connor, who joined Leicester in 2008, has formed a close relationship with Cockerill that has reaped rewards on the pitch.

He was in charge of a Leicester attack that ran in 70 tries in 22 regular-season games as the Tigers reached the Premiership final before losing to Harlequins.

by Buford Balony

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