James O'Connor part of 36-man Wallabies' squad to face British and Irish Lions
By
SABC Sport
11th July 2025
Australia veteran James O'Connor is the surprise inclusion in Joe Schmidt's Wallabies squad to tackle the British and Irish Lions in the three-Test series.
O'Connor has answered the Wallabies' SOS following the gutting injury to flyhalf Noah Lolesio with James Slipper joining the recalled veteran in playing for Australia in two successive British & Irish Lions Series.
The pair join Wallabies great George Smith in achieving the incredible feat, with Schmidt naming an otherwise settled squad.
"As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls," said head coach Schmidt.
"We're conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they'll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare. We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days.
"We are excited by what's to come."
Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny are the only two uncapped players named in the squad, which is comprised of 20 forwards and 16 backs.
Veteran halfback Nic White is retained in the squad after missing out on the Lions Series back in 2013 through injury. He addes experience to the scrum-half stocks along with the likes of Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon.
O'Connor boosts the fly-half stocks that includes Queensland's Tom Lynagh, who is one step closer to becoming the first Wallaby to follow in his father, Michael's footsteps in playing against the Lions, and Western Force ace Ben Donalson.
France-based lock Will Skelton has also been named in the squad, while Schmidt has dropped Force star Darcy Swain, with Josh Canham preferred.
Meanwhile, O'Connor could make his first Test appearance since November 2022 after a stellar season in New Zealand, where he helped the Crusaders to yet another Super Rugby Pacific title.
The squad will remain in Brisbane ahead of the series opener at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night before the two sides meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday July 26, with the final Test at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Saturday August 2.
The British and Irish Lions have one final touring match before the three Tests as Andy Farrell's men take on an AUNZ Invitational XV on Saturday.
Wallabies squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, Noah Lolesio, Liam Wright.
