O’Connor back in Super Rugby and setting sights on world cup
Veteran fly-half James O’Connor is heading back to Super Rugby with the Western Force, hoping the move can help him earn a place in the Australia squad for next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.
The 36-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Perth-based Force, the club where he made his professional debut as a teenager in 2008. O’Connor returns to Western Australia after leaving England’s Leicester Tigers, following a career that has taken him across the globe, including spells in France and New Zealand.
“I’m so excited to join the Force. It feels like a full-circle moment in my life,“ O’Connor said.
The veteran playmaker has earned 68 caps for the Wallabies and has represented several Super Rugby clubs during his career, including the Western Force, Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels and Canterbury Crusaders.
Despite his age, O’Connor believes he still has plenty to offer and is determined to make the most of what could be the final season of his playing career.
“There’s a lot of good footy still left in me. I want to make the most of possibly my last year,“ he said.
O’Connor is also confident that he remains physically capable of competing at the highest level.
“I feel like my body is primed and my mind is ready,” he added.
His ultimate goal is to return to the Wallabies and potentially finish his international career at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia in October and November next year.
“It’s an incredible time in Australian rugby right now with the World Cup just around the corner,” O’Connor said.
“And this is an opportunity for me to go toe-to-toe with the best in Australia each week.“
O’Connor believes his extensive experience could also benefit the Force as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
With a World Cup on home soil approaching, O’Connor now has one more opportunity to prove he can still compete at the highest level and earn a place in Australia’s plans.
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