A Wallabies veteran is aiming to force his way into the national team for next year’s World Cup on home soil.
James O’Connor has signed a one-year deal with the Western Force, where he made his Super Rugby debut as a 17-year-old in 2008.
The 36-year-old joins the Force after leaving the Leicester Tigers, having also played club rugby in France and New Zealand during a career that has taken him around the world.
MORE: Big shake-up for Super Rugby playoffs
The 68-cap Wallaby says he can’t wait for the season to kick off and to get the chance to prove his worth to Wallabies coach Les Kiss.
“I’m so excited to join the Force. It feels like a full-circle moment in my life,” O’Connor said.
“There’s a lot of good footy still left in me. I want to make the most of possibly my last year. I feel like my body is primed and my mind is ready.”
The 2027 World Cup will be played in Australia in October and November next year, giving O’Connor a potential final opportunity to add to his 68 Test appearances.
ALSO: Stormers reveal new jerseys
“It’s an incredible time in Australian rugby right now with the World Cup just around the corner,” he said.
“And this is an opportunity for me to go toe-to-toe with the best in Australia each week. I’m excited to bring my experience to this group. I’ve played all over the world for two decades. I’ve seen a lot of different programmes and a lot of different structures.”
– AFP
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The post Final World Cup push for Wallabies veteran appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A Wallabies veteran is aiming to force his way into the national team for next year’s World Cup on home soil.
The post Final World Cup push for Wallabies veteran appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
