James O'Connor's quest to join the Chiefs next year is over before it began with Rugby Australia blocking his request for a release.
The Herald understands the Wallabies playmaker approached the Chiefs about moving to New Zealand next year, citing a strong desire to test his skills in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
O'Connor's parents are New Zealanders, and he holds a Kiwi passport after spending the early stages of his life here, so he viewed the potential move to the Chiefs as a homecoming of sorts.
The 30-year-old returned to Australia from the Sale Sharks in 2019, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds, having not played for the Wallabies since 2013.
After impressing from first five-eighth with the Reds and Wallabies this season O'Connor sounded out several All Blacks about moving to the Chiefs.