Summary O'Connor is currently without a Super Rugby team after Melbourne Rebels declined to extend contract.
SYDNEY (AP) - Wallabies back James O'Connor says he's leaving behind his bad boy image and wants to be known for his rugby ability, not his behavior off the field.
O'Connor is currently without a Super Rugby team after the Melbourne Rebels declined to extend his contract. No Australian teams have so far been willing to take on a player with a history of disciplinary failings.
The 23-year-old told reporters Monday he is determined to meet standards of performance and behavior demanded by new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.
O'Connor said "there's definitely things I already have changed and am in the process of doing ... personal things. I don't play rugby to be talked about off the field."
O'Connor came in for heavy criticism after publication of a photograph of him and Australia and Rebels teammate Kurtley Beale with a Lions fan at a fast food outlet at 4 a.m. on the Wednesday before the second test.
