London Broncos half-back signing Connor O’Beirne has arrived in England and explained his long-term desire to play in the country.
O’Beirne was the first overseas player to sign for London Broncos after their relegation from Super League with the physical playmaker arriving from France having played for both Lezignan and Carcassonne.
His deal was subject to Visa approval which has now been locked in and the Australian has arrived in England from Down Under, quickly noting the contrast in weather.
“The weather has been different to Australia,” O’Beirne said as he spoke to club media.
“It’s been quite cold and the sun comes up real late and goes down real early but other than that, it’s been good.”
He also confirmed that a move to England had been a goal for a long time having developed further in France over the past couple of seasons.
O’Beirne revealed: “It’s something that I’ve been interested in doing for a while. I’ve been playing in France and learned a fair few good things over there playing a pretty good level of footy.
“Then during the winter I’ve been back in Australia playing for Maitland in the Newcastle competition and I learned a lot, they’ve got a really good coach.”
The playmaker is also well-versed in the club’s recent history given that he knows the Broncos’ welfare manager and has also played against former London stars whilst in France.
He explained: “I know a fair bit (about the club). I already knew the welfare manager, Marty, from back in Australia so he has been feeding me some stuff.
“I’ve actually followed London a fair bit over the last couple of years. I played against Corey Norman when he was playing over in France and followed their journey when they came over here and won the Championship in 2023.”
Unusually physical for his position, O’Beirne is six foot five inches tall, and he told fans what they could expect with an insight into his pre-season work Down Under.
“I play in the halves but I’d say I have a big kicking game and I like running the footy and I’m a big body so I like taking the line on,” the 27-year-old said.
“I’ve been doing a fair bit of running in Australia so I am fit but the session we did today was still very tough having just come off the plane but it was good and I’m excited.”
