US EditionHe's Back: Veteran James O'Connor Is in the Wallabies Squad to Play the British and Irish Lions
AUSTRALIA, JUL 11 – James O’Connor returns to the Wallabies after Noah Lolesio’s injury, adding experience to the squad for the three-Test British and Irish Lions series, says coach Joe Schmidt.
- On July 11, 2025, Australia revealed a 36-player Wallabies squad at Suncorp Stadium, including seasoned veteran James O'Connor, ahead of the three-Test series against the touring British and Irish combined team commencing on July 19 in Brisbane.
- O'Connor returned due to Noah Lolesio's neck injury ruling him out of the series, and after a strong Super Rugby season with the Canterbury Crusaders following his move from Queensland Reds.
- Coach Joe Schmidt noted O'Connor's experience would aid young players despite needing to catch up with the Wallabies playbook during a very short runway ahead of the first test.
- O'Connor, 35, who has 64 caps and last played for Australia in 2022, said, "Of course I want the spot, yeah," while Schmidt said O'Connor "can pass on that experience, in a pretty calm manner."
- The inclusion of O'Connor signals an opportunity to reinforce the squad's experience for the three-test Lions series, with uncertainty around player fitness and team cohesion as challenges ahead.
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The 35-year-old Australian opener and the James Slipper pillar are the only two players in the Wallabi group to have ever faced the British Lions.
·Paris, France
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