Rugby: O'Connor happy to play 10 or 12

James O'Connor will play his debut season with the Rebels this year. Photo / Getty Images

They may be vying to wear the Melbourne Rebels No.10 rugby jersey and the goal-kicking honours but new signing James O'Connor insists Danny Cipriani is his team-mate before he is his rival.

O'Connor and Kurtley Beale were presented to the Rebels' diehard fans after training in sweltering conditions in Melbourne on Tuesday, with Wallaby O'Connor joining his new Super Rugby club only this week.

The 21-year-old was given a week's extra leave after his two-game tour with Australia late last year when he starred at five-eighth in their wins over the Barbarians and Wales.

Cipriani was the Rebels' first choice No.10 in their inaugural year and although his defence was a definite weakness, he sparked the side in attack.

O'Connor, who switched from the Western Force, believed Cipriani should be in the England squad and said he'd have no problem playing at second five-eighth.

"I've made it no secret I want to be in the front-line so I guess that puts two positions out there in 10 and 12,'' O'Connor said.

"That's where I've been training so whatever's best for the team.

"In this team I can see myself playing 12 pretty nicely with Danny slotting into 10.''

O'Connor said Cipriani was already a good mate and he was impressed by what he could offer on the rugby field.

"I wouldn't call him a rival; we're going to be playing on the same team and hopefully we can build something pretty special.

"There's no doubt he's a talent; he should be the No.10 for England.''

But he doesn't plan on being quite so generous with goal-kicking duties.

"You can ask him about that one but I'll be kicking,'' he laughed.

Beale is on restricted training after suffering soreness in the hamstring he damaged at last year's Rugby World Cup while skipper Stirling Mortlock is sidelined with a knee problem.

Both hoped to play some role in the Rebels' three trials before their Super Rugby season kicks off against Beale's old side, NSW, in Melbourne on March 2.

- AAP