Wallabies set to be without star James O'Connor for Bledisloe blockbuster
By
SABC Sport
10th September 2025
Australia flyhalf James O'Connor is expected to link up with new club Leicester Tigers in the coming weeks, forcing him out of action for the Wallabies.
The 35-year-old back only marked his return to the Test side in their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park, and has since featured in their following two Tests as well. Still, it seems he is set to depart the Wallabies camp for the rest of the tournament.
According to reports from The Roar, O'Connor has been given the green light by Joe Schmidt to head to the Gallagher PREM outfit after their upcoming clash against Argentina, with fellow fly-half Ben Donaldson returning to the side for the Tests against the All Blacks.
O'Connor's expected departure from the squad comes amid the ongoing case with La Rochelle lock Will Skelton, who is also likely to be unavailable for the Bledisloe Cup clashes due to his commitments with the Top 14 heavyweights.
This also follows new Tigers boss Geoff Parling's admission he's "hopeful" O'Connor will head to Mattioli Woods Welford Road sooner rather than later, ahead of the new league season.
"We had a conversation two days ago," said the new boss. "But conversations about these things are always ongoing."
"I'm hopeful of getting him. We want to get him here soon, but I'm sure Joe would like to keep him as well. I have a really good relationship with Joe. We'll keep talking.
The Wallabies look set to lose yet another one of their key stars to Europe ahead of the Bledisloe Cup, with James O'Connor expected to link up with new club Leicester Tigers in the coming weeks.
The 35-year-old back only marked his return to the Test side in their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park, and has since featured in their following two Tests as well. Still, it seems he is set to depart the Wallabies camp for the rest of the tournament.
According to reports from The Roar, O'Connor has been given the green light by Joe Schmidt to head to the Gallagher PREM outfit after their upcoming clash against Argentina, with fellow fly-half Ben Donaldson returning to the side for the Tests against the All Blacks.
O'Connor's expected departure from the squad comes amid the ongoing case with La Rochelle lock Will Skelton, who is also likely to be unavailable for the Bledisloe Cup clashes due to his commitments with the Top 14 heavyweights.
This also follows new Tigers boss Geoff Parling's admission he's "hopeful" O'Connor will head to Mattioli Woods Welford Road sooner rather than later, ahead of the new league season.
"We had a conversation two days ago," said the new boss. "But conversations about these things are always ongoing."
"I'm hopeful of getting him. We want to get him here soon, but I'm sure Joe would like to keep him as well. I have a really good relationship with Joe. We'll keep talking.
"We lost a lot of experience last year, over 500 caps' worth of experience, so we need someone who can come in and help the younger guys who are ready to take a grip of this club and manage a game.
"He's also a good pro now; he knows in his younger days he wasn't necessarily a good pro, but he's different now. He's a good character to have around."
The Tigers begin their PREM season with a visit to Bristol Bears in round one, before facing Harlequins in their home opener.
