O'Connor takes control of Australian Sevens

Back in the day: O'Connor has plenty of experience to draw on

The Australian Rugby Union has appointed former Wallaby Michael O'Connor as their new Sevens coach.

The dual international, who also played Rugby League for Australia, has taken over from Billy Millard, who is now with Cardiff Blues.

O'Connor played twelve Tests for the Wallabies between 1979 and 1982, and has signed a contract that will see him lead Australia into the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series.

O'Connor said he hoped to fully utilise the Australian Sevens program as a development tool and provide players with a potential fast track through to higher representative level.

"Sevens is the best form of talent identification in Australian Rugby Union and we really need to utilize it to its full potential," said O'Connor

"As a former Sevens player I know what a great arena it is for skills development and it is the ideal testing environment for judging a players skill and ability under pressure.

"Not only does Sevens improve skills, it gives young players a tremendous opportunity to experience touring conditions and benchmark themselves against players around the world."