James O’Connor will depart Australia, opting to pursue overseas opportunities following five years of outstanding service at Ballymore in his second stint at the Queensland Reds.
O’Connor returned to Brisbane in July 2019, earning selection in the Wallabies’ 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, following an earlier 13-match stay at the Reds in 2015. Queensland Cap No 1283, he leaves with 68 Queensland caps to his name and having had an immeasurable impact on the Reds’ strong culture and significant growth, on and off the field, over recent years.
O’Connor’s final appearance in Maroon at Suncorp Stadium was a starring role against Wales in July, before leading Brothers to the StoreLocal Hospital Cup premiership at Ballymore earlier this month. The highlight of his time at the Reds was arguably Captaining the side to the 2021 Super Rugby AU title, scoring the decisive try against the Brumbies in front of more than 40,000 diehard Queenslanders.
“These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” O’Connor said. “I’m so proud of where we have gotten to as a group. Although there’s been highs and lows the consistency, and just the love at this club, has been so incredible to be a part of.
“I’m departing Queensland a better player, leader and man, and I’m so grateful to have been able to play for this team, my home.
“The club couldn’t be in better hands. Les and the other coaches are easily the most cohesive group I have ever worked with and I’m thankful I got to be a part of it this year. I have no doubt that there’s a lot of success to come and I’ll be watching from abroad with deep gratitude. Thanks for everything Queensland. It’s been a dream come true.”
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss paid tribute to James as a player and a person, and whilst disappointed to see him go, stressed the importance of the role he has played during his time at the Reds.
“James O’Connor has been a selfless leader in my time in Queensland, and personally I’m so pleased and grateful I had the chance to coach him this season, as are all of the coaching team,” Kiss said.
“Whilst James encountered a challenging season that saw injury limit his ability to contribute on the field, he dedicated himself to improving the team in any way he could.
“His immense experience and willingness to share his experiences has played a pivotal role in the development of the Reds, most notably with our young flyhalves Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. They’ll undoubtedly reflect positively on the time they were able to spend with him, fine-tuning their game and understanding the mental side of the playmakers’ role, and for that we’re indebted to James.
“We did make him an offer to stay and continue at the Reds and will be sad to see him go, but we respect the decision he and Bridget have made and wish them all the very best. I have no doubt James will return to give back to the Queensland Rugby community in coming years in some capacity, and that’s something we can all look forward to.”
- Queensland debut: 27/02/2015 v Highlanders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (Queensland Cap No. 1283)
- Queensland Captain 121
- Queensland caps: 68
- Super Rugby debut: 18/04/2008 v Queensland Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- (Western Force)
- Super Rugby caps: 127
- Super Rugby points: 915
