O’Connor comeback put on ice

Wallaby utility back James O'Connor has ruled himself out of Australia's end-of-year tour to Europe.

O’Connor on Thursday announced on Twitter that he will not rush back and run the risk of suffering another setback in what has been an injury-plagued 2012 for the talented Melbourne Rebels ace. 

"Just had meeting with doc looks like ill be in team rehab til after spring tour. Gutted I can't play but no risks with huge year ahead 2013," O'Connor tweeted.

The Wallabies confirmed the news on the team’s official Twitter account, tweeting: “James O’Connor ruled out of 2012SpringTour due to persistent hamstring injury.”

O'Connor has been out of action since he lacerated his liver while playing for the Rebels in a Super Rugby match in May.

His comeback was delayed when he tore his hamstring during a Wallaby training camp in June and he has decided to make a fresh start in 2013.

Prop Ben Alexander is the latest Wallaby casualty, the front row forward forced to withdraw from the team for Saturday’s third and final Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane due to a wrist injury.

Hooker Saia Fainga’a also withdrew from the side after breaking a bone in his hand during Tuesday’s training session while wing Digby Ioane was earlier ruled out with a knee injury.

Nathan Sharpe will again lead the team in the absence of the injured James Horwill, David Pocock and Will Genia, who all fell victim to the Wallaby ‘captaincy curse’ this season.