James O'Connor is in talks with the Reds about a possible return to Super Rugby.

The mercurial 23-year old utility back's short career has been plagued with off-field problems, and it seems the Reds have offered him a shot at redemption, and a possible return to the Wallabies set-up ahead of next year's World Cup.

O'Connor played the last of his 44 Tests for the Wallabies against Argentina in the Rugby Championship last season, but had his contract torn up after a drunken incident at Perth Airport following the victory.

He has since kept his head down at Premiership side London Irish, kicking his team to a season-ending 22-20 win over Sale on the weekend. He will join Toulon for the remainder of the year where he will play alongside former-Australian internationals Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

The Reds currently find themselves rooted to the foot of the Australian Super Rugby conference and have managed only three wins all season.

It appears as though they have already started building for next season, although the jury remains out on whether O'Connor is the type of player they need to turn things around.

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