Western Force have fended off interest from interstate and overseas to re-sign Super 14 teen sensation James O'Connor for 2009.

Utility back O'Connor, who turns 18 next month, signed a one year contract with an option for 2010.

The 17-year-old became Super 14's youngest player when he made his debut off the bench against the Reds last April, making three starts thereafter.

He has already been compared to Force teammate Matt Giteau and has been earmarked as a future Wallaby.

O'Connor, who qualifies for all three SANZAR countries through his South African grandmother and New Zealand-born parents, attracted strong interest from both rugby codes.

The signing of the diminutive playmaker is a major boost for the Force, who only on Wednesday secured prop Pek Cowan for another season.

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