JAMES O'Connor says he "needs to earn back a lot of respect'' after taking an early release from his ARU contract.

The future of the wayward Wallaby is now unclear, with O'Connor released from the remainder of his 2013 contract and not be offered a lucrative ARU top-up contract for 2014 - costing him a hefty $500,000.

The fallen star wasn't sulking on Thursday afternoon however, and tweeted a picture of himself getting in a little kicking practice.

Bit of kicking practice this afternoon, onwards & upwards. Thanks for the support http://t.co/8NER0fYgYo — James O'Connor (@JamesOConnor832) October 3, 2013

O'Connor could still play Super Rugby if signed by an Australian club but the Western Force are the sole side interested, and are now the only remaining lifeline for O'Connor.

If the 23-year-old doesn't decide to swallow the huge pay cut or the Force also withdraw interest, O'Connor could pursue options in French or Japanese rugby, or look at a switch to rugby league, next year.

The move follows an investigation into O'Connor's behaviour after he was escorted from Perth airport by Federal police over a dispute with airline staff three weeks ago.

It followed a string of behavioural indiscretions by O'Connor.

media_camera O'Connor's late-night burger run with Kurtley Beale made headlines around the world.

"The Australian Rugby Union and I have mutually agreed to put the past behind us and move forward from today," O'Connor said.

THE JAMES O'CONNOR SHAME FILES

"As a professional, I am focused in developing as a person and as an athlete and intend to do everything possible to put myself in the best environment to do that.

"I want to apologise for any issues that I have caused and I want express my respect for my teammates, the Wallabies and the jumper. There is nothing more important and rewarding to me than representing my country.

"I want to say again that I do appreciate the impact that some of my actions have had on my team and the sport in general.

"I recognise that given my actions and the circumstances it is best for the team and myself to go in different directions in the short term.

"I remain focused on earning my place back with the Wallabies and will be looking for the right opportunity to do this.

"I plan to remain on the Gold Coast with my family over the coming weeks as I consider my playing future.

"I will also continue discussions with the team at the Western Force in Perth who has shown incredible faith in me of which I am very grateful for.

"I realise I need to earn back a lot of respect, and that is exactly what I plan to do both on and off the field.

"I want to wish my teammates and the Wallabies the best of success and I will be supporting you fully in the coming months."

At this stage O'Connor hopes to return to the fold by 2015, for the World Cup in England and Wales.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver on Thursday announced that in the wake of the recent Perth airport incident, and a string of prior disciplinary issues, O'Connor had been released from the remainder of his 2013 contract and would not be offered a lucrative ARU top-up contract for 2014.

The release from his 2013 contract was done by "mutual agreement", an ARU statement said.

media_camera James O'Connor, during the Wallabies Test against Argentina. Picture; Getty Images

"We appreciate James' contribution to Australian Rugby and his unique skill and flair when playing, but have determined that James must make some changes with respect to his off-field responsibilities and ensure that this approach is consistent with the values of our game," chief executive Bill Pulver said.

"We are hopeful that James will stay in Australian Rugby and play in next year's Super Rugby competition and that he sees this as an opportunity to re-focus his attitude and invest in all aspects of his professional Rugby career.

"We would consider reviewing our position regarding a national contract for 2015 and beyond if we believe James' behaviour is consistent with the values associated with being a Wallaby.

"This has been a difficult decision for all parties. James is a player with huge potential and someone who has the capacity to make a significant long-term contribution to our game but after assessing the evidence of numerous incidents, we have an obligation to uphold the values of our game and James understands that.

"If James chooses to stay in Australia and play Super Rugby, he would be eligible to play for the Wallabies in 2014, as long as his behaviour was consistent with our expectations and if his form warranted selection."

The Western Force released a statement later on Thursday morning, saying it remained open to signing O'Connor "provided he understands and observes the club's non-negotiable standards and values''.

"Our conversations with James and his management regarding a possible return to the Force have been ongoing,'' RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said

"These conversations have been thorough and honest, and have included Michael Foley, Matt Hodgson and players. These discussions have been about both on- and off-field matters that we believe can assist James to become the player he aspires to be and to develop himself as a person.

"Since the ARU's decision, we've reiterated our position to James, including the non-negotiable standards and values - particularly around earning respect - that must be upheld by everyone in the team and at this club.

"However, at this point we believe it's in James' best interests to take time and reflect on what's important to him and what he really wants.

"If that is being a part of this club and making a positive contribution to our club culture, then we'd be open to the prospect of continuing those discussions. Similarly, if he believes he would be better suited by taking some time away from Australian rugby, then we'd wish him nothing but the best with those endeavours.''

Originally published as O'Connor released from ARU contract