Wallabies veteran set for shock Super Rugby move across the ditch three years after

[The InnFORCEr]

In one of the biggest transfer deals in Super Rugby history, experienced Wallaby James O’Connor appears set to continue his extraordinary career with the Crusaders.

After turning down a significantly reduced deal to stay at the Queensland Reds in recent weeks, the 34-year-old is deep in discussions with the Crusaders, according to the NZ Herald.

The surprising move comes as Rob Penney seeks to add experience to the No.10 jersey after Fergus Burke sensationally left the Crusaders to join Saracens in England.


After Richie Mo’unga led Scott Robertson’s Crusaders to seven straight titles, the Super Rugby champions crashed back to Earth in 2024 as Penney failed to build on the momentum and his side missed the finals.

With Burke missing most of the year, 21-year-old Taha Kemara and 24-year-old Rivez Reihana, who recently signed a two-year extension, struggled in the driver’s seat as the Crusaders battled an injury crisis off the back of the departures of Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock and Leicester Fainga’anuku.

They weren’t helped by Codie Taylor’s extended leave and injuries to Scott Barrett and Burke.

Since the end of the season, the Crusaders have been busy working out how to solve their No.10 crisis.

The Crusaders looked at Tane Edmed, who is enjoying a season in the National Provincial Championship with North Harbour, as well as former Junior Wallabies utility back Mason Gordon.

But O’Connor’s decision to turn down a significantly reduced offer at the Reds appears to have seen the Crusaders pounce on the 34-year-old’s services.

O’Connor’s second stint at the Reds was widely seen as a success, with the 63-capped Wallaby leading the Super Rugby franchise to the Super Rugby AU title in 2021.

Although injuries limited his playing output in his final two seasons at the Reds, O’Connor’s leadership came to the fore where he held mentoring roles for the franchise’s emerging playmakers like Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Lawson Creighton.

Now, O’Connor, who has played 127 Super Rugby matches across the Reds, Rebels and Force, could be asked to fill the same role for Kemara and Reihana.

It’s not the first time O’Connor has expressed a desire to play on this side of the Tasman. He made an approach to join the Chiefs for the 2021 season, only for it to be vetoed by Rugby Australia.

O’Connor’s parents are New Zealanders, and he holds a Kiwi passport.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/othe...7c72c7b&ei=277

[chibi]

So what happens if- IF he plays really well? Let's say he's the best in his position in the competition, the Crusaders win the comp, does he get picked for the Wallabies under the current management?

[shasta]

So what happens if- IF he plays really well? Let's say he's the best in his position in the competition, the Crusaders win the comp, does he get picked for the Wallabies under the current management?

He would be assessed under the usual criteria on a points system. Tah -3 points. Brumby - 2 points. Red - 1 point. Anyone else - meh.

[todd4]

I would like to see an agreement between RA & RugyNZ where Wallabies and All Blacks could be chosen from any team within the Super Rugby competition. This would allow a spread of talent from both countries to play across the comp and perhaps make it a more level playing field.

[The InnFORCEr]

Former Wallabies star seals Super deal with Crusaders
Melissa Woods and Murray Wenzel
October 4, 2024 8:53AM


Former Wallabies star James O'Connor has extended his Super Rugby Pacific career by shifting to New Zealand and signing a one-year deal with the Crusaders.

The ex-Queensland Reds playmaker knocked back a contract to remain at Ballymore next season, where injuries had relegated him to a mentoring role in 2024.

The Crusaders announced on Friday he had signed for 2025 to play under former NSW Waratahs coach Rob Penney.

"I'm really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment," O'Connor said in a statement.

"My whole career I've heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation so to experience it firsthand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I'm really looking forward to."

The 14-time champions have struggled to overcome the loss of superstar Richie Mo'unga, who is playing in Japan, missing the finals this season.

Penney hoped O'Connor could use his experience to bolster their playmaking stocks, with youngsters Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana also in the battle to wear the No.10 jersey.

Their other option, Fergus Burke, has moved to Saracens in England.

"When we heard he was available we reached out as we thought we could offer him something new and challenging," Penney said.

"We have two exciting and talented 10s in Rivez and Taha, and James brings a level of maturity that we believe will complement them exceptionally well.

"Having played internationally and in a range of overseas competitions, we're looking forward to what James can bring to our environment from his 17 seasons of professional football.

"He's also a competitor and ambitious, which will ensure there is weekly competition for the 10 jersey."

O'Connor has been holidaying in New Zealand, the birthplace of his parents, and had discussions with the Chiefs about a potential move shot down by Rugby Australia three years ago.

A veteran of 63 Tests and 127 Super Rugby games across three clubs after making his debut in 2008, O'Connor also coached schoolboy rugby in Queensland last season.

He also has played in England for Sale and London Irish and in France for Toulon.

Former Wallaby Digby Ioane played three games for the Crusaders in 2017 while a smattering of Australian hopefuls have enjoyed stints in New Zealand's second-tier National Provincial Championship to gain experience.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/ru...ers-c-16275744