Australia whizz-kid James O’Connor has denied rumours that he is set to join the Melbourne Rebels.
It had been reported that the versatile Wallaby, who is out of contract with Western Force at the end of the season, was poised to announce a deal with the Super 15 new boys.
But O'Connor dismissed the speculation on social-networking site Twitter.
"Interesting – only headlines expecting on Monday is a big win for the Force, reports not right," Tweeted O'Connor.
Negotiations between O'Connor and the Force are on-going and his loss would be a major blow to the Perth-based franchise.
It had initially been claimed that the Rebels' signing of Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale had swayed O'Connor's decision but this latest news suggests otherwise.
O'Connor is one of a host of young Wallabies primed to face the Lions in 2013. The 20-year-old made his debut as a replacement against Italy in 2008.
He has since gone on to establish himself in the Australia starting XV and is seen as one of the most exciting prospects in the global game.
