James O’Connor has re-signed with the Queensland Reds and will remain in Australian rugby until the 2023 World Cup in France.
The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and Rugby Australia (RA) have secured the signature of Reds flyhalf James O’Connor.
The 30-year-old has re-signed for the next two seasons that will see him remain at Ballymore and in Australian Rugby until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
“Queensland is my home. I was born here. I love this State, I love pulling on the maroon jersey, and this is where I want to finish my career,” O’Connor said.
“We have a great team now and I think we are going to do some special things. I’m excited to be part of it and to help take them forward.”
O’Connor captained the Reds to a breakthrough premiership, scoring every point in the 19-16 victory over the Brumbies to secure the Super Rugby AU title a fortnight ago.
MORE TO COME
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mungo, won't happen on both counts I expect McReight to take the 7 spot from Hooper late next year. JOC definitely won't be captain (well, in DR's opinion) and I reckon he MAY be a bench option (at best) at next RWC.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Samu may be fitter and stronger (if that is possible). His skills were terrible. Passing, decision making, hogging the ball, and defence. He always had great run metres for one person, Samu Kerevi. Over all our existing players (Simone, Hunter P, Len I, Stewart (maybe), Jordan P(Did I say rhat) Godwin and maybe others seem to have filled the Kerevi Hole.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
It’s time for Hooper to be moved to the super sub off the bench and play Mcreight and make O’Connor captain.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
I kind of agree, they’d definitely have to come back and get familiar during a regular super rugby season, but they’d definitely be ready by the time the test series rolls around. I think Kerevi would make the Wallabies for sure. He looks fitter and stronger than he’s ever been.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mung, you are right about The Jap standard getting better. I believe Hocking is going pretty well. Having said that I think that Super Rugby competitions are more beneficial to a players long term success as a rugby player, particularly at Test Rugby. I seriously doubt whether Gill or Kerevi would make the Wallabies. McMahon MAY be different.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
That’s if they get Lucas and Hockings back! I hope they do.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Maybe because it has been more of a retirement retreat for elder statesmen who can get big coin at the end or their career, but Japanese rugby is changing and they are now getting world class players at an earlier age, Bowden Barrett for example. Sami Kerevi, Liam Gill, Malcolm Marx, Duane Vermeulen, Makazole Mapimpi and many more. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see these kind of players improve their running skills and offloading rugby, as it’s a fast brand over here. I think for players like Lucas and Hockings, it’s a perfect environment to be learning their trade before they make the next step.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Yes, and he’s been sharp too! Unfortunately their team had to forfeit the quarter finals with Suntory due to half the team getting COVID, which finished their season.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mate, I’m sorta on the fence. Jyst don’t know IF he’s worth the money and it’s (IMO) unlikely he’ll be 10 come RWC. Trust a Noah (or other), blood him hard and let him grow. He MAY not be a world beater yet but JOC certainly isn’t either.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Tom Lynagh finishes school in England late July and is due at the Reds in August. He has a development contract to the end of 2023. The Reds have also signed Taj Annan (year 12 at BBC) on the same sort of development contract also running to end of 2023, so they have two 18 year olds to bring through over the next couple of years. I guess the Reds will just make do with Hegarty and Stewart as injury cover for JOC in the meantime, although I reckon Campbell could be worth a look at 10.
jameswm
Roar Guru
He shouldn’t? You don’t think it premature to discard him now?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Boo. I don’t think he made of the right stuff to make a cohesive unit from all players from all States. One of the big factors is respect. He’s fine with QLD. IMO, he would not be the guy to lead for a variety of reasons. Having said that James himself and his supporters have waged a relentless campaign to be installed as captain, but failed.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Because of the cost obviously. JOC probably got a nice pay cheque out of it
Charlie Turner
Guest
JOC is a loyal Reds man. Except for that one time he asked to be released from his Reds contract to play for the Chiefs?
Boosho
Roar Pro
Care to elaborate?
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Good to see . Sad that Rennie has gone again for Hooper. We only really have room for 1 of those past failures who took us to 7. JOC had less to do with it than Hooper, Simmons, Toomua and Hodge . Make him the yeast in our recovery with a mixture of good youngsters and those who have been ignored and insulted . McMahon , Arnold , Samu, Valentine, Kuridrani, Ready, Lee-Warner, Powell, Lolisio.
James GC
Roar Rookie
The Lynagh boy is on the books from 2022 but he will need some time, but looks pretty good. We lost out when Lucan left that's for sure although he looks more a 15 then a 10. Gordon was to be the understudy but once again Qld got piconed on that one.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Nice one.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Well JOC is only 30 and if he stays relatively injury free has quite a few years ahead of him. Its great news really!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Why are the Wallabies developing Lolesio at 10 and JOC re-signing for Qld mutually exclusive?