James O’Connor opens up on Wallabies dream and chat with Joe Schmidt

James O’Connor hasn’t played for the Wallabies since starting at fly-half in a heavy 48-17 loss to Argentina in August 2022. For a while, it seemed that disastrous defeat was the end of O’Connor’s Test career, but against the odds, the playmaker is back in the frame.

When ‘JOC’ inked a deal with the Crusaders for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, most fans were both intrigued and shocked by the news.  O’Connor had played more than 120 games across stints with three Australian sides, so this move across the ditch caught fans off guard.

Crusaders boss Rob Penney has almost exclusively used O’Connor off the bench, with the playmaker starting one of 10 appearances in the famed red and black strip, which was a shock loss to Moana Pasifika at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium in round seven.

While that result on its own doesn’t paint a positive picture, it’s far from the full story, as rugby fans worldwide are well aware. O’Connor has played a key role in some crucial wins this season, including victories against the Hurricanes in Wellington and the Blues in Christchurch.

That dramatic triumph over the Blues was where things seemed to change for O’Connor, who nailed a penalty goal in the 81st minute to snatch the win 25-22. With Noah Lolesio signing a short-term deal in Japan from the end of 2025, fans began to call for O’Connor’s Wallabies selection.

Coach Joe Schmidt usually overlooked overseas-based players in 2024, which spells bad news for Lolesio, but it’s not the same fate for O’Connor. After finishing captain’s run with the Crusaders on Thursday, O’Connor was humble and excited when asked about the Wallabies.

“I put it out there two years ago, even last year when I left, a goal of mine was to play in this Lions Series – not just the Lions Series, to play for the Wallabies again,” O’Connor told RugbyPass at Easts Rugby Club in Sydney.

“I felt like, possibly didn’t get the best version of me. I was trying my hardest, but again, what I’ve learned in the last two years, even three years, last year, it’s increased my rugby IQ, and I feel I’m a much better player for it.

“I’d love to give the best version of me for the Wallabies and just to be a part of it again, that’d be incredible.

“There’s nothing expected. I know it’s sort of a short straw for me to come in, like I’m gonna have to be performing really well because the other guys have got runs on the board, they are the future of Australian Rugby.

“I do feel like I could play a role and definitely help with some of the younger players in there. I feel like I could play a role in terms of that, just steadying the ship a little bit and helping with detail and knowledge.

“Whether I can make that 40-man squad would be incredible, and then obviously if I can play, I’d bloody love that as well. But I’ll just be happy to be a part of it.”

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt sat down with about 11 written press journalists in a board room at Rugby Australia a few days ago, where O’Connor’s name was mentioned during the 28-minute interview opportunity.

With the British & Irish Lions unveiling their touring squad last week, who Schmidt selects in the Wallabies’ squad is an opinionated debate all rugby fans would love to have with those close to them. Pete Samu, Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi are all in the mix, along with O’Connor.

Schmidt recently told reporters in Melbourne that he “had a really good chat” with O’Connor, believing the 64-Test Wallaby would add invaluable experience to a squad which, in all likelihood, will include a combination of fly-halves Tom Lynagh, Ben Donaldson and/or Noah Lolesio.

“Without giving too much detail away, it’s just been more brief chats in terms of one, he was just gauging my keenness to play, which I told him I’m bloody keen to play. I’d love to be involved. That’s where my energy is – obviously my energy is on Crusaders… if I can serve the team, it’s going to come back,” O’Connor reflected when asked about the conversation with the Wallabies coach.

“But in terms of what to do, there was no detail around what he wants to see Ectara, it was more just ‘keep doing what you’re doing’.

“There’s other 10s in Australia playing really well so this end of the season and finals time is really going to separate between who gets the nod. Finals footy, it’s closer to Test footy, pressure’s on, small margins, small moments.

“I think for me I’m just going to continue doing what I’m doing, playing the Crusader style, and if I get the opportunity, if I’m playing well enough, I’ll bloody take it with both hands.”

O’Connor was once a bleach-blonde-haired teenager lighting it up in Wallaby gold on the biggest stage rugby has to offer. We all remember that sideline conversion to sink the All Blacks at the famed Hong Kong Stadium, and a remarkable try-saver on Ireland’s Tommy Bowe in 2011.

It’s a rare feat for any player to face the British & Irish Lions – Nathan Sharpe played more than 115 Tests for the Wallabies, yet never played the touring side. But O’Connor had the chance to take the Lions on 12 years ago, and is now nearing an incredible recall, with more history waiting to be written.