Leicester-bound Wallaby OConnor hopes to be back for All Blacks tests

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Australia - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 16, 2025 Australias James OConnor in action with South Africas Kwagga Smith REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

MELBOURNE - Flyhalf James OConnor flew out of Australia on Monday with no guarantee he will play another test for the Wallabies but let everyone know he wants to be back for the final Rugby Championship clashes against New Zealand.

OConnor signed for Leicester Tigers in June and had planned to join up with them after the British amp; Irish Lions series, but the 35-year-old was retained in Joe Schmidts Rugby Championship squad due to the Wallabies injury list.

However, with Ben Donaldson returning from a thigh injury and fellow flyhalf Tom Lynagh expected to be available for the All Blacks tests after a hamstring strain, OConnor was released from the Wallabies squad to head to England.

The 68-test playmaker posted a picture of himself with his dog before his flight, with the caption: This is not goodbye.. Its see you soon.. Hopefully.. Bledisloe.

The final two tests of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand at Eden Park on September 27 and in Perth the following week double as the Bledisloe Cup, the annual series contested between Australia and the All Blacks.

Coming back to test rugby this season after a three-year hiatus, OConnor has been among the Wallabies top performers in the Rugby Championship.

He played a