One of the biggest signings in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, James O’Connor, has made waves with his move from the Queensland Reds to the Crusaders. The 63-Test Wallabies playmaker has mostly been used as a substitute this season under coach Rob Penney, but with first five Taha Kemara sidelined due to a knee injury, O’Connor could find himself in a more prominent starting role.
O’Connor’s future has sparked plenty of debate, with the possibility of him representing the British and Irish Lions during their 2025 tour of Australia, or even switching allegiance to the All Blacks in 2026 if he doesn’t play for the Wallabies in 2025.
The experienced playmaker recently joined Israel Dagg and Scotty Stevenson on the Sports Nation morning radio show, where he spoke candidly about his time at the Crusaders. O’Connor expressed how welcomed he has felt in the new environment: “The care and feeling I could feel when I first rocked up, like people coming to pick you up from the airport, like the house was ready. Everything was sorted, and everyone’s very welcoming,” he said.
He also highlighted the difference in mindset at the Crusaders compared to his previous teams in Australia. “The boys and the coaches… did not shy away from talking about winning. I haven’t been a part of a team that’s done it this way. It’s not just about playing well or having success; it’s about winning the trophy.”
Having last represented the Wallabies in 2022 and Australia A in 2023, O’Connor has expressed his desire to return to international rugby in 2025. He admitted that his move to the Crusaders had reinvigorated him: “It’s really invigorated me, and I’m feeling fresh… I’m as fast as I’ve ever been, which is a bonus.”
O’Connor was also full of praise for substitute playmaker Rivez Reihana, who impressed in Dunedin after coming on for the injured Kemara. “Rivez was huge for us,” O’Connor said. “He’s an incredible player, and it’s great to see him step up after waiting for his opportunity.”
Despite the injury to Kemara, O’Connor acknowledged that the battle for the starting first-five jersey at the Crusaders remains fierce. “I think Rivez will take the keys and do some things with them,” O’Connor said, indicating that he will likely continue his role as a substitute for now.
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