O'Connor Eyes Wallabies World Cup Swansong After Force Return
James O'Connor will also coach the club’s Super AUS team as he seeks a Wallabies World Cup place and a fresh start with his growing family.
- On Wednesday, veteran fly-half James O'Connor signed a one-year deal to return to the Western Force, the Perth-based club where he debuted as a 17-year-old in 2008. The 36-year-old aims to secure a Wallabies spot for the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
- The move marks a "full-circle moment" for O'Connor, who is expecting his first child and relocating to Cottesloe Beach. Beyond playing, he will serve as an attack coach for the club's Super AUS team.
- Force coach Simon Cron noted the timing is ideal following an end-of-season review. O'Connor will provide an "invaluable sounding board" for playmakers Ben Donaldson, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and Alex Harford.
- After a globe-trotting career featuring stints in Leicester, France, Japan, and South Africa, O'Connor returns with 68 Wallabies caps. He played 127 Super Rugby games across the Rebels, Reds, and Crusaders before this homecoming.
- O'Connor feels "primed" with "a lot of good footy still left" in his tank. He views this final year as a critical opportunity to prove his worth for the national squad before potentially retiring.
13 Articles
13 Articles
O'Connor eyes Wallabies World Cup swansong after Force return
Veteran fly-half James O'Connor said on Wednesday he was returning to Super Rugby's Western Force, with the 36-year-old aiming to be part of the Australia squad for next year's World Cup on home soil.
Sydney Morning Herald
‘It’s time to plant some roots’: O’Connor comes full circle at the Force
James O’Connor has returned to the Western Force nearly two decades after emerging there as a teenage prodigy, with coaching ambitions, a baby on the way and one last World Cup dream.
James O’Connor rejoins Force with Wallabies on his mind
James O’Connor has rejoined the Western Force on a one-year deal, hoping his “full circle” moment will ultimately lead to a Wallabies berth at the 2027 World Cup. O’Connor made his Super Rugby debut with the Force as a 17-year-old in 2008, which made him the youngest debutant in the competition’s history at the time. The versatile back played 39 Super games for the Force, scoring 10 tries across four seasons from 2008 to 2011, and to this day he…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
