One of the major talking points ahead of Super Rugby Pacific 2025 is the headline move of 63-cap Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor from the Queensland Reds to the Crusaders.
Although O’Connor has mainly been used as an impact player off the bench under Rob Penney this season, he could soon find himself starting after Crusaders first-five Taha Kemara exited Saturday night’s match against the Highlanders with a knee injury.
O’Connor’s name has also surfaced in wider discussions about the future, with some suggesting he could be an option for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies squad for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025. Others have even speculated about a potential move to the All Blacks in 2026 should he not represent the Wallabies next year.
In a recent interview on Sports Nation with Israel Dagg and Scotty Stevenson, the Crusaders recruit opened up about how much he’s relishing life in Christchurch this season.
“The warmth and support I felt when I arrived were unbelievable — people picking me up from the airport, the house already sorted, everything ready to go,” O’Connor said. “The welcome here has been incredible.”
He also highlighted the cultural differences he noticed compared to his experience in Australia. “Off the field, the mindset here really stands out. Right from the start, there was no hesitation about talking openly about winning trophies. It’s not just about improving or hoping to do well; it’s about aiming for the ultimate prize. I hadn’t experienced that kind of direct ambition before.”
Having last played for the Wallabies in 2022 and Australia A in 2023, O’Connor admitted that the hunger to wear the green and gold remains strong.
“That drive to represent my country never really leaves, but coming into this new environment has absolutely reignited it,” he explained. “Being challenged by a new group of players, adapting to a different style of rugby, it’s really refreshed me. Plus, playing 20-30 minutes a game has kept me feeling faster and fresher than ever.”
Asked about the standout performance of substitute Rivez Reihana during the win over the Highlanders, O’Connor had nothing but praise for the young playmaker.
“Rivez was outstanding. He’s a massive talent and, to be honest, he was a bit unlucky. He picked up a preseason injury, and Taha Kemara took charge while I was covering from the bench. Rivez had to be patient, but when his chance came — unfortunately due to Taha’s injury — he grabbed it with both hands. He’s a big, physical player who isn’t afraid to challenge the line.”
When discussing the competition for the starting fly-half spot, O’Connor was refreshingly honest about his role moving forward.
“I think Rivez has earned the opportunity to take the lead,” he said. “He’s ready to take the keys and run the show.”
