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Controversial Australia winger James O'Connor has been released from his Wallabies contract with immediate effect, after a series of off-field incidents, capping a dramatic fall from grace for one of Australia's top rugby talents.
The 23-year-old was dumped from the Australian team last month, after he was prevented from taking a flight because he was allegedly drunk, hours after Australia beat Argentina in a Rugby Championship match in Perth.
It was the last straw for the Australian Rugby Union, which announced "an early release from his national contract for 2013 and not offering him a national contract for 2014".
O'Connor, who has played 44 Tests, admitted he "needs to earn back a lot of respect".
The Western Force in a statement released on Thursday that it was open to signing O'Connor but was in no hurry.
"The Emirates Western Force has encouraged Wallabies winger James O’Connor to take time away from rugby to consider his playing future," the statement said.
