Former Wallabies star James O’Connor’s future has been confirmed with the fly-half signing a deal to join the Crusaders for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Earlier this year O’Connor confirmed that he would be leaving the Queensland Reds following the conclusion of the 2024 season for an “overseas opportunity”.
While many believed that O’Connor would return to Europe or sign a deal in Japan, that is not the case as he will head across the Tasman to join the Canterbury-based outfit.
“Legend of international rugby”
The Crusaders announced the ex-Wallabies playmaker’s arrival on Friday as he joins his fourth Super Rugby team after representing the Western Force, Reds and Melbourne Rebels.
“The 34-year-old is a legend of international rugby, having played 64 Tests for Australia and earned more than 120 Super Rugby caps for the Western Force, the Melbourne Rebels and most recently the Queensland Reds,” the statement read.
“He’s scored nearly 250 points for his country and has long been a standout player both with ball in hand and behind the kicking tee.”
While O’Connor is renowned for his versatility, having played across the backline – excluding scrum-half – during his career, he is set to primarily play as a fly-half, competing with the likes of Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara for the jersey while providing both on-field expertise and off-field mentorship, the statement confirmed.
Commenting on the signing of O’Connor, head coach Rob Penney dubbed the player as a “world-class and ambitious athlete”.
“When we heard he was available we reached out as we thought we could offer him something new and challenging,” Penney said.
“We have two exciting and talented 10s in Rivez and Taha, and James brings a level of maturity that we believe will complement them exceptionally well.
“Having played internationally and in a range of overseas competitions, we’re looking forward to what James can bring to our environment from his 17 seasons of professional football.
“He’s also a competitor and ambitious, which will ensure there is weekly competition for the 10 jersey.”
O’Connor on his move to the Crusaders
O’Connor enjoyed stints in England and Europe where he played for the likes of London Irish, Toulon and Sale Sharks before returning to Australia in 2019. He has 64 caps for the Wallabies, and his last appearance came in 2022 under Dave Rennie.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” O’Connor said.
“My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation. So to experience it first hand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”