IRISH BUOYED BY O’CONNOR SIGNING AHEAD OF KINGSTON PARK TRIP
It remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old full-back will feature at the weekend, but one thing is for sure, the 44-times capped Aussie made quite an impact in his side’s narrow 19-14 defeat to Northampton Saints at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday.
Making the transition from Super Rugby to the Aviva Premiership, O’Connor told the gathering media following the game: “The speed of the game was very surprising. I thought Super Rugby was fast but I was really blowing out there, that’s for sure.
“It felt great. The club and all the boys have been awesome since I arrived and I’m really looking forward to my time here.
“I didn’t feel 100% and can get better. I wanted to perform. It was one of the best pitches I’ve played on, and it was just a shame that we couldn’t get the win.”
Presenters Mark Durden-Smith and David Flatman were running out of superlatives to describe O’Connors’ display during the ITV highlights programme.
Irish director of rugby Brian Smith was delighted with his new recruit against the Saints, saying: “He was outstanding – he is a class act and a great kid.
“His impact on the pitch was significant. He is a typical 23-year-old, and he is a young bloke who has made some mistakes.
“He is super talented and a lovely bloke. He has a positive effect on a lot of people and does a bit of charity work and I think in the course of time all that will come to the fore.
“He has been dealt a pretty crook hand down under and it wouldn’t happen here. I am grateful to have him here.”
The Falcons welcome Irish to Kingston Park this Sunday in the LV= Cup with tickets still available by calling 0871 226 6060 or [click here][1] to purchase online.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2565
