Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt Mulls James O'Connor Selection

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt considers James O'Connor for the team, citing his experience and versatility as valuable assets.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt considers James O'Connor a potential selection for the team, particularly for the series against the British and Irish Lions. Despite approaching 35, O'Connor's experience could be valuable in a squad featuring relatively young flyhalves.

O'Connor has impressed with his form playing for the Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific, earning him consideration for the Wallabies. His 64 caps for Australia could prove beneficial in the team's upcoming matches.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has had a “good chat” with James O'Connor, who could bring valuable experience to the team for the series against the British and Irish Lions. “James, he would bring experience back into the group (and) a little bit of versatility in that he's played 12 in his career as well,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt's current preference is for Noah Lolesio at flyhalf, but Tom Lynagh, 22, is also impressing with his form for the Queensland Reds after making his Wallabies debut last year. O'Connor's experience could prove beneficial in the squad.

Joe Schmidt highlighted the youth of his current flyhalves, noting that both Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio are still gaining international experience. “Both Tom and even Noah, he's still young in terms of international experience. So with all those players, it's nice to have an experienced head,” he said. “James would bring that experience and so it's part of the conundrum for us, and we'll be working hard to get the best balance.”

Joe Schmidt says veteran James O'Connor would add value to the Wallabies.

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With Schmidt's tenure set to end soon, Queensland Reds boss Les Kiss will take over as Wallabies coach in mid-2026, ending months of speculation about the team's future leadership.

The appointment of Les Kiss as Schmidt's successor has been met with skepticism from some fans and pundits, despite the two coaches' previous collaboration during Schmidt's successful tenure with Ireland. Kiss will take over with only a year to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.

Schmidt aims to leave a lasting legacy that will set the Wallabies up for World Cup success. He emphasized his commitment to a smooth transition, with his coaching staff, including Laurie Fisher, Mike Cron, and Geoff Parling, ready to assist Kiss in the handover.

“A lot of people focus on head coaches but we've got a really good staff that are building a really good foundation in the Wallabies and a lot of staff will stay consistent,” he added.

“Les knows a number of those staff quite well and so I think that will help smooth the transition.

“Hopefully that sees a successful springboard into 2027.”