Former Wallabies star James O’Connor is set to realise a long-held ambition by signing with the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific.
O’Connor last month announced he was leaving the Queensland Reds after five years to “pursue overseas opportunities.”
The Reds said they made the 34-year-old playmaker an offer to stay but it was not accepted.
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And the New Zealand Herald is now reporting that the veteran of 63 Tests will move to Christchurch for the 2025 season.
O’Connor’s parents are from NZ and he was close to joining the Chiefs in 2021.
“I think it would be an unreal opportunity to go and play in that Aotearoa comp. What they did over there was pretty special,” O’Connor told 9News at the time.
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A Crusaders spokesperson said they had been talking to O’Connor but couldn’t provide any further comment.
The Super Rugby squads are expected to be publicly announced in full at the end of October.
O’Connor, who did a lengthy podcast interview with Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall this year, would join 21-year-old Taha Kemara and 24-year-old Rivez Reihana in Christchurch.
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It’s understood the Crusaders have closed the door on All Blacks utility David Havili playing No.10 again, leaving them in need of experience alongside the unproven Kemara and Reihana.
Kemara is a highly touted prospect the Crusaders have had high hopes for but his confidence took a hit this year and he spent a portion of the Super Rugby season playing club rugby.
O’Connor would give the Crusaders a veteran option, one who has played 127 Super Rugby games for the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and Reds – as well as London Irish, Toulon and Sale.