James O'Connor: 'Really positive' feedback on new Reds coach

The confirmation of Les Kiss as Queensland Reds coach is imminent while James O’Connor is also close to finalising his future at the Super Rugby outfit. Brad Thorn finished as Reds coach this season and is expected to be replaced by another former rugby league talent in Kiss, who was most recently coaching London Irish in the English Premiership.

“If it was to be Les I think it’d be a great move,” O’Connor said at Wednesday’s launch of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. “A lot of the stuff that came back (from player feedback) on Les was really positive.”

Kiss’ rugby league career began in Brisbane before he played for North Sydney Bears and represented Queensland and Australia. He then worked as an assistant coach for the London Broncos Super League club before switching to rugby union as a defence coach.

Eddie Jones loses his temper during Wallabies’ defeat to Los Pumas

Eddie Jones loses his temper during Wallabies’ defeat to Los Pumas

“He has been around the world, he is a Queenslander, he built up London Irish and is a head coach who has been around a long time,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor, 33 and off contract, appears set to remain at Ballymore and remains hopeful of a Rugby World Cup berth after displaying his versatility in the centres for Australia A against Tonga last weekend.

Cast aside by former coach Dave Rennie, O’Connor believes his style of play suits Eddie Jones’ approach and would love a chance to prove it. “I can’t pick myself, but my rugby has been consistent,” he said. “I have shown I can play different positions and I’m putting my hand up, but the reality is it’s someone else’s call.

“Every couple of years the game changes; if you don’t adapt you fall behind. World Cup rugby is based on territory, collisions and one mistake can change the whole game. Eddie is talking about discipline, that’s a big part of it too.”