Smith: O’Connor’s rugby will do the talking

After nearly half-an-hour of being asked, in as many different ways as possible, whether issues with alcohol have stunted his career James O’Connor seemed almost relieved to be questioned on whether he considered moving to an Irish province this month.

“I think London Irish is Irish enough for me,” smiled the Australian exile, who fittingly now plays for a club nicknamed The Exiles.

Considering that O’Connor had previously admitted to having offers from other clubs and other countries, it was an intriguing non-denial.