Fresh from guiding the Crusaders to a Super Rugby title and nurturing the side’s next generation of playmakers, James O’Connor says he’s keen to continue his mentoring role after joining Leicester Tigers.
The 64-Test Wallaby’s arrival will help ease the blow of losing double World Cup winner Handre Pollard, who is heading back to South Africa.
The soon-to-be 35-year-old was pitched to Australia’s four Super Rugby franchises, but after not receiving a nibble, departing Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling, who was announced recently as Michael Cheika’s replacement, jumped on the experienced back.
“Leicester are well known down under as the team in England that is rich in history and team culture,” O’Connor said.
“Geoff called me a few weeks ago when I was deciding on my future and it just felt right. I’ve played under Geoff in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and I feel we see the game through a similar lens.
“As for the playing element, I’m just bloody excited to take the field and help in any way I can. Tigers are a quality side, what more proof do you need than this year’s final? I have been watching intensely from afar and am very excited to slot in and help the team grow in any way possible.
“For me coming in, it’s not so much about what I’ll be doing, more so how can I be the most useful team man to help us go one better. Whether that’s on the training pitch, creating game plans off it or if I’m given the keys to steer the ship. Whatever my role lands on, I’m just excited for the new experience.”
The Tigers will be O’Connor’s third stint in the English Premiership, having previously played for London Irish and Sale Sharks.
But the matured playmaker said he returned to England with some unfinished business to attend to after failing to reach the heights that he wanted to in the league.
“I feel like it’s a full circle moment,” O’Connor told the club website.
“I’ve been honing my craft for the last six years as a fly-half and have picked up a lot of new knowledge, not only in Australia but also this year with the Crusaders.
“Now I’m at a place where I want to test myself, step up and deliver on the big stage. I’ve played for two teams in the Premiership, but I never felt I played my best footy due to injury, life choices and just where I was at as a man. So, this move is to rectify this.”
O’Connor will head to England later next month but remains hopeful of featuring in the upcoming Lions series before then.
His bid to feature in the Lions series won’t be helped by the fact Rugby Australia appears likely to look past him for the AUNZ clash against the Lions on July 12 in Adelaide.
It comes despite the invitational clash desperately needing a headline act or two, especially after the withdrawal of Richie Mo’unga.
O’Connor made a compelling bid to end his three-year Test hiatus after a strong year with the Crusaders.
After moving across the ditch, O’Connor proved to be the Ice Man on several occasions for the Crusaders, who bounced back to form in 2025.
While O’Connor barely featured in the finals series due to Rivez Reihana’s form, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said he strongly considered drawing on the two-time World Cup member’s experience for the Lions series.
