Australia’s James O’Connor is set to re-sign with the Western Force to put an end to weeks of intense speculation.
The utility-back, a certainty to face the Lions in 2013, was the subject of a four-way tug-of-war with the Force, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels all battling for his signature.
But the 20-year-old is expected to hand the Perth-based franchise a major boost by signing a one-year contract extension.
Force are yet to confirm the deal but it is understood that O'Connor only needs to finalise the deal with the Australian Rugby Union.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has already admitted O'Connor had notified the Queensland Rugby Union he would not take up their offer.
"I know he won't be at the Reds, but where he's going to be I don't know," said McKenzie.
"I've been suspicious he wasn't coming our way for some time because it's been dragging on."
O'Connor, who can play almost right across the backline, made his debut for the Force in 2008 at just 17 and went on to win his first Wallabies cap the following year.
He has since racked up 27 caps for Australia and is a ever-present fixture in their side. O'Connor kicked the Wallabies to their first victory over the All Blacks in 11 years last October with a last minute converted try in Hong Kong.
