Former Wallabies first-five 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 caps with the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels, and most recently, the Queensland Reds. He has also scored nearly 250 points for his country.
As a utility back, O’Connor will play as a first-five for the Crusaders, joining Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara. The franchise based in Canterbury is hoping O’Connor will bring valuable on-field skills as well as off-field mentorship.
“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. “Throughout my career, I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation. I’m really looking forward to experiencing it firsthand and learning a new way of playing the game.”
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney described O’Connor as a “world-class and ambitious athlete.” He noted, “When we heard he was available, we reached out because we believed we could offer him something new and challenging. We have two exciting and talented tenors in Rivez and Taha, and James brings a level of maturity that we believe will complement them exceptionally well. With his international experience and extensive professional career spanning 17 seasons, we look forward to what James will contribute to our environment. His competitive nature will also ensure strong competition for the 10 jersey.”
O’Connor is expected to join the Crusaders shortly before the team’s first pre-season game, with details about the match and opponent to be confirmed later this month.