Veteran playmaker James O’Connor is back in the Wallabies squad after being recalled to face the British and Irish Lions.
The 35-year-old started all three Tests at flyhalf when Australia last hosted the Lions in 2013, but he has not played for his country in almost three years.
O’Connor joins prop James Slipper in a 36-man squad for three Tests starting on 19 July in Brisbane as the only two players to have faced the combined might of the multi-national touring team before.
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Your squad to face the British & Irish Lions
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— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 11, 2025
He was a revelation for the Crusaders in their charge to the Super Rugby title this season after a move from the Reds, but was overlooked by Australia coach Joe Schmidt for the warm-up Test against Fiji this month, where a ragged team narrowly avoided a morale-sapping loss.
First choice flyhalf Noah Lolesio was injured in the match and needed neck surgery that has ruled him out of the three-Test series, opening the door to the versatile O’Connor.
“I had a few conversations with James during the year,” Schmidt said of O’Connor. “He had a good Super season for the Crusaders. He stayed close, he stayed connected the whole way through (with the Wallabies). He can potentially help the players, particularly our young 10s.”
Wallabies squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images
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