Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories James O'Connor during the 2013 Lions series.Alamy Stock Photo 12 years later: O'Connor makes Wallabies return for Lions series The 35-year-old recently helped the Crusaders to win Super Rugby Pacific. 5.04am, 11 Jul 2025 Share options Murray Kinsella Reports from Adelaide JOE SCHMIDT HAS recalled 35-year-old out-half James O’Connor to the Wallabies squad for the three-Test series against the Lions. O’Connor was the starting out-half for Australia 12 years ago when the Lions visited on their 2013 tour. Schmidt is without his first-choice out-half, Noah Lolesio, for the upcoming Lions contests after he suffered a neck injury in last weekend’s Test against Fiji. And with limited high-level options available to him in Australia, Schmidt has now brought in the experienced O’Connor, who recently helped the Crusaders of New Zealand to win Super Rugby Pacific. O’Connor played a bench role in the Crusaders’ success but showed that he still has lots to offer at out-half. The 64-times capped playmaker last played for the Wallabies three years ago. He joins Ben Donaldson, who came off the bench for Lolesio last weekend, and Tom Lynagh as the Wallabies’ options at out-half in the absence of Lolesio. Loosehead prop James Slipper is the other player in this 36-man Wallabies squad who played in the 2013 series. Schmidt’s group is very similar to the one that he picked ahead of their game against Fiji, although Reds second row Josh Canham comes into the group. Advertisement Second row Will Skelton, back row Rob Valetini, and scrum-half Jake Gordon, all of whom missed the win over Fiji due to injury, have been included and Schmidt is hopeful that trio will be fit for the first Lions Test. Australia squad for Lions series: Props: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Zane Nonggorr Hookers: Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Billy Pollard Second rows: Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams Back rows: Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tom Hooper, Nick Champion De Crespigny Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor Centres: Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu Back threes: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Andrew Kellaway, Corey Toole, Dylan Pietsch Murray Kinsella Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “12 years later: O'Connor makes Wallabies return for Lions series”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “12 years later: O'Connor makes Wallabies return for Lions series”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion 12 years later Joe Schmidt News in 60 seconds FreeHappy Days Last-gasp Xhemaili fires Swiss into Euro 2025 quarters Tottenham set for €134 million transfer splurge as Kudus deal complete Patience of the Saints pays off as Aidan Keena strikes late European winner David Sneyd reports from Richmond Park Cobh Ramblers announce change in ownership status Ready to go Kerry make two changes for All-Ireland semi-final with Tyrone as it stands Straka among leaders as Scheffler, McIlroy and Harrington make solid starts Anisimova stuns Sabalenka to reach Wimbledon final On the plane Jamie Osborne called up to Lions squad McDowell’s biggest LIV regret - he will be the forgotten man at the Open in his hometown Gavin Cooney Arsenal seal deal for Brentford star, close in on €81 million-rated Gyokeres Beirne captains Lions in final warm-up against AUNZ Invitational more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account