O’Connor ready for comeback

Wallaby and Rebels star James O’Connor is ready for the 2013 Super Rugby season after injury kept him out of the game since last June.

On-going injury setbacks kept O’Connor out of contention for a Wallaby spot in the end-of-year tour, but the 22-year old claims that he is in the best shape ever.

“My fitness is right up there. It’s the best it’s ever been, even back to my junior track days when I was doing running training. But also just to work on my speed and my explosive power. I’m in a great head space right now,” said O’Connor.

“It’s so refreshing to be back training with the guys. I get a lot of my energy and passion from being with them. That’s why I play team sport.”

O’Connor says that his pre-season training has presented some pleasing results, with the utility back now bulking up to 90kg, while also losing body fat.

“What we look for in rugby, in sport in general, is that 1 per cent change,” O’Connor said.

“If you can get 1 per cent better at something it’s a massive difference. I think I’ve at least improved five to 10 per cent better physically.

O’Connor will be vying for a spot in the Wallabies side ahead of the British and Irish Lions Tour, which kicks-off in June.

Source: Fox Sports