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Seventeen years after making his Super Rugby debut with the Western Force as a 17-year-old, James O’Connor is in talks to join his former club.
The Roar can reveal O’Connor is in deep conversations about a remarkable move back to the franchise where it all started.
The experienced Wallabies back could still stay at the Queensland Reds, but sources have confirmed there is mutual interest in the prodigal son returning to Perth.
Injured Waratahs playmaker Will Harrison was in the Force’s sights, but the youngster’s latest setback has seen the franchise turn its attention elsewhere.
James O’Connor is weighing up an incredible return to the Force. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
It’s a curious move given O’Connor’s age – 32 – and injury history, but the Force believe his utility value and leadership would also give them some depth and class in the playmaking channels despite the Wallaby sliding down the national pecking order.
The update comes just months after O’Connor said he wanted to stay at the Reds to help the development of rising playmaker Tom Lynagh.
But with a Rugby Australia top-up unlikely and Lynagh quickly finding his feet in Super Rugby, O’Connor has understandably had to reconsider his options.
James O’Connor (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP via Getty Images)
The news comes as Reds back-rower Harry Wilson re-signed with the Reds on a two-year extension.
There had been strong fears that Wilson would head overseas, but the Queensland Rugby Union confirmed the 23-year-old would stay until 2025 on Thursday.
“I love playing for Queensland, this is my home,” Wilson said.
“We’ve got a great group on and off the field at Ballymore and there’s plenty left for us to achieve in the Queensland jersey.
“It’s an exciting time in Australian rugby with a Lions Tour and World Cup coming up. I’m very motivated to be a part of it over the next few years.”
Harry Wilson is staying put at the Reds until the end of the 2025 Super Rugby season. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Reds general manager Sam Cordingley was naturally delighted the No.8 had decided to remain at the franchise.
“Harry had a fair amount of interest from overseas clubs, so it’s great to have him remain in Queensland Rugby through 2025,” he said.
“I’m sure he’ll be highly motivated to achieve success with both the Reds and Wallabies over the next two seasons.”
His retention is a huge boost for the Reds, with the man with the red headgear considered a future captain.
After bursting onto the scene in 2020, Wilson has had a bumpy past two years.
The No.8 made his Test debut in his first year of professional rugby, but missed the past two spring tours under Dave Rennie with rising Waratahs back-rower Langi Gleeson instead preferred.
Wilson was initially left out of Eddie Jones’ Wallabies training camp earlier this month, but Gleeson’s injury saw the strong ball-carrying back-rower return.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.