James O'Connor signs long-term deal with Reds - reports

44-Test back James O'Connor is understood to have signed a long-term deal with Super Rugby side Queensland Reds, keeping his World Cup hopes alive.

According to reports, O'Connor has signed a deal that will keep him in Brisbane until at least 2022, making him eligible to play for the Wallabies six years after he last took the field.

The 28-year-old made his Wallabies debut as an 18-year-old against Italy in 2008 but his international career was cut short in 2013 after a string of off-field incidents.

Once pen is put to paper, O’Connor will be immediately eligible to start training with the Wallabies and it’s expected that national coach Michael Cheika will include the utility back in his squad for Australia’s opening Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on July 21