O'Connor dilemma as England switch touted

LONDON WASPS flanker and former Connacht and Ireland A player, Jonny O'Connor, faces a major dilemma: declare for World Cup champions England and suffer the wrath of folk in the west of Ireland, or stick with Ireland.

Speaking from his Galway home yesterday, O'Connor said he was disappointed not to get an Ireland call-up last season.

"I was playing well last year and I thought I might get in at some stage or get in for the tour to South Africa. But Eddie (O'Sullivan) is his own man. He has to do what's best. I just have to sit back and see what happens," said O'Connor.

An IRFU spokesman said: "The Irish management of Brian O'Brien, Eddie O'Sullivan and Niall O'Donovan have always monitored the form of Jonny O'Connor and anyone eligible to play for Ireland. They have watched Jonny play and are up to speed on his form."

However, he added there was a "sense of mischievousness in the route of this story".

Speculation over a possible move arose after a source in the England RFU revealed they are taking legal advice on whether a loophole exists that would allow O'Connor to play.

England stand-in coach Andy Robinson views O'Connor as the ideal replacement for Neil Back, and Robinson has already told Lions coach Clive Woodward to pencil the Galway man into his squad for the summer tour to New Zealand.

"There is speculation alright that my club performances could open doors for me," admitted O'Connor. I'm Irish and let's not beat around the bush: there was, is, and always will be this 'Ireland-England thing'. It mightn't be in my best interest to switch allegiances. What would people think at home?

"I suppose the temptation would have to be there. They are the world champions, after all. But you have to keep an open mind. If it came to the stage where you're not going to play for Ireland, maybe I'll have to think about going down that road."

O'Connor has already lined out for Ireland A and would need to live in England another 18 months to qualify.

Owen Eastwood, a lawyer with London firm Lewis Silkin, and an expert on eligibility, said: "Because the IRB has made exceptions over the years, whatever the outcome, O'Connor would have to live in England for another 18 months to qualify on grounds of residency."

O'Connor spoke frankly of his desire to wear the green.

"In a way I don't want to play for anyone else," said O'Connor.

"I don't think I could play for anyone else but Ireland. Andy Robinson has not contacted me although the lads are slagging me at Wasps, about signing for England!"

With Keith Gleeson injured, O'Sullivan is on the look-out for a specialist No 7, and, according to O'Connor's team-mate, Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio, O'Connor would fit the bill for England.

"There is not exactly a huge choice in the position and Jonny knows what being a No 7 is all about," said Dallaglio.