O'Connor extends Toulon stay

James O’Connor will only join the Queensland Reds until next month after being granted a brief extension to help injury-hit Toulon.

The Wallaby utility back was originally going to get to Brisbane this week, but an injury to his Australian teammate Matt Giteau means that he will be needed by the French side this month.

O’Connor who is playing off the bench this weekend against English heavyweights Leicester, will now join the Reds in Brisbane early next month.

“We’ve been working with James for some time, who has been in the process of tying up his personal affairs before returning home,” Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael said.

“Due to injuries at Toulon, we’re happy for him to stay there for a couple more weeks.

“We believe these extra games in Europe will assist James to prepare for the Super Rugby season.

“James will be back training with the Reds at Ballymore in early January in preparation for our pre-season games.”

O’Connor and Karmichael Hunt will get their first taste of playing in a Reds jersey in the January 31 trial against the Melbourne Rebels in Cairns.

O’Connor has been used as a utility for Toulon with periods at wing, fullback and flyhalf plus time goalkicking.

Reds coach Richard Graham has assessed the best fit for O’Connor at the Reds is on the wing.

His ability to roam off the wing to work off flyhalf Quade Cooper is a major potential plus his handling adds to the Reds potency in a key area.