James O’Connor is involved in a tug-of-love between Leicester and the Wallabies over when he will arrive in England.
The veteran stand-off is part of the Australia squad currently taking part in The Rugby Championship and came off the bench to steer the side to a dramatic victory over Argentina last weekend.
However, Tigers’ new head coach Geoff Parling is hoping to leverage his close bond with Joe Schmidt to secure an early release, allowing the 35-year-old to start the PREM season. Leicester open up with a game against Bristol at Ashton Gate on Sunday, 28 September.
Parling was formerly Schmidt’s assistant before he left for Leicester after the Lions series.
“We had a conversation two days ago, but conversations about these things are always ongoing because it depends on the player’s availability,” said Parling.
“I’m hopeful of getting him. We want to get him here soon, but I’m sure Joe would like to keep him as well. I have a really good relationship with Joe. We’ll keep talking.
“We lost a lot of experience last year – I think it was over 500 caps’ worth of experience – so we need someone who can come in and help the younger guys, who are hopefully ready to really take a grip of this club, to manage a game. In terms of playing his role and the position he’s in, he knows how to manage a game.
“He’s also a good pro now. I think he knows in his younger days he wasn’t necessarily a good pro, but he’s certainly different now, and he’s a good character to have around.”
Leicester lost a double World Cup-winning stand-off Handre Pollard over the summer, and while they have brought in other options at No 10 in Orlando Bailey and Billy Searle, O’Connor is their first choice this season.
If Parling is unsuccessful in his negotiations with Schmidt, Leicester will have to wait until The Rugby Championship concludes on 4 October before his arrival.
The return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, where he spent six years as a player, marks the start of a new chapter for Parling after five seasons in the Wallabies’ set-up.
He finished off with a victory in Sydney against the Lions but a series defeat.
“There was no joy in the coaching box at the end of the Third Test. It was a case of what could have been,” said the former England second row.
“But a lot of people had written us off early doors, and I think we showed with that bit of consistency and keeping working hard, with some players really stepping up, especially in that third game, that we could produce some good performances.
“I’ve close relationships with a lot of people there, so it’s good to see them just sneak that win at the weekend
“I’m right behind that team. There are some good people there.”