Former Wallabies fly-half James O’Connor has signed with the Crusaders for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 34-year-old has represented Australia in 64 test matches and has accumulated over 120 Super Rugby appearances with teams such as the Western Force, the Melbourne Rebels, and most recently, the Queensland Reds. Throughout his international career, he has scored close to 250 points.
O’Connor will play as a first-five with the Crusaders, joining Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara in the squad. The Canterbury-based franchise is optimistic that his experience will bring valuable insights on the field and mentorship off the field.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” O’Connor expressed. “My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation. So to experience it firsthand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney praised O’Connor as a “world-class and ambitious athlete.” He noted that the team reached out to O’Connor when they learned he was available, believing they could offer him an exciting new challenge. Penney commented on the two promising fly-halves already in the team, Rivez and Taha, stating that O’Connor’s experience would provide valuable maturity to the squad.
With his extensive international play and experience from 17 seasons in professional rugby, Penney is eager to see what O’Connor will contribute to the team’s dynamic. He also emphasized that O’Connor’s competitive nature will spur healthy competition for the starting fly-half position.
O’Connor is expected to join the Crusaders shortly before the team’s first pre-season match, with details about the date and opponent to be announced later this month.