Wallabies veteran set for shock Super Rugby move across the ditch three years after
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In one of the biggest transfer deals in Super Rugby history, experienced Wallaby James OConnor appears set to continue his extraordinary career with the Crusaders.
After turning down a significantly reduced deal to stay at the Queensland Reds in recent weeks, the 34-year-old is deep in discussions with the Crusaders, according to the NZ Herald.
The surprising move comes as Rob Penney seeks to add experience to the No.10 jersey after Fergus Burke sensationally left the Crusaders to join Saracens in England.
After Richie Mounga led Scott Robertsons Crusaders to seven straight titles, the Super Rugby champions crashed back to Earth in 2024 as Penney failed to build on the momentum and his side missed the finals.
With Burke missing most of the year, 21-year-old Taha Kemara and 24-year-old Rivez Reihana, who recently signed a two-year extension, struggled in the drivers seat as the Crusaders battled an injury crisis off the back of the departures of Mounga, Sam Whitelock and Leicester Faingaanuku.
They werent helped by Codie Taylors extended leave and injuries to Scott Barrett and Burke.
Since the end of the season, the Crusaders have been busy working out how to solve their No.10 crisis.
The Crusaders looked at Tane Edmed, who is enjoying a season in the National Provincial Championship with North Harbour, as well as former Junior Wallabies utility back Mason Gordon.
But OConnors decision to turn down a significantly reduced offer at the Reds appears to have seen the Crusaders pounce on the 34-year-olds services.
OConnors second stint at the Reds was widely seen as a success, with the 63-capped Wallaby leading the Super Rugby franchise to the Super Rugby AU title in 2021.
Although injuries limited his playing output in his final two seasons at the Reds, OConnors leadership came to the fore where he held mentoring roles for the franchises emerging playmakers like Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Lawson Creighton.
Now, OConnor, who has played 127 Super Rugby matches across the Reds, Rebels and Force, could be asked to fill the same role for Kemara and Reihana.
Its not the first time OConnor has expressed a desire to play on this side of the Tasman. He made an approach to join the Chiefs for the 2021 season, only for it to be vetoed by Rugby Australia.
OConnors parents are New Zealanders, and he holds a Kiwi passport.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/othe...7c72c7b&ei=277
After turning down a significantly reduced deal to stay at the Queensland Reds in recent weeks, the 34-year-old is deep in discussions with the Crusaders, according to the NZ Herald.
The surprising move comes as Rob Penney seeks to add experience to the No.10 jersey after Fergus Burke sensationally left the Crusaders to join Saracens in England.
After Richie Mounga led Scott Robertsons Crusaders to seven straight titles, the Super Rugby champions crashed back to Earth in 2024 as Penney failed to build on the momentum and his side missed the finals.
With Burke missing most of the year, 21-year-old Taha Kemara and 24-year-old Rivez Reihana, who recently signed a two-year extension, struggled in the drivers seat as the Crusaders battled an injury crisis off the back of the departures of Mounga, Sam Whitelock and Leicester Faingaanuku.
They werent helped by Codie Taylors extended leave and injuries to Scott Barrett and Burke.
Since the end of the season, the Crusaders have been busy working out how to solve their No.10 crisis.
The Crusaders looked at Tane Edmed, who is enjoying a season in the National Provincial Championship with North Harbour, as well as former Junior Wallabies utility back Mason Gordon.
But OConnors decision to turn down a significantly reduced offer at the Reds appears to have seen the Crusaders pounce on the 34-year-olds services.
OConnors second stint at the Reds was widely seen as a success, with the 63-capped Wallaby leading the Super Rugby franchise to the Super Rugby AU title in 2021.
Although injuries limited his playing output in his final two seasons at the Reds, OConnors leadership came to the fore where he held mentoring roles for the franchises emerging playmakers like Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Lawson Creighton.
Now, OConnor, who has played 127 Super Rugby matches across the Reds, Rebels and Force, could be asked to fill the same role for Kemara and Reihana.
Its not the first time OConnor has expressed a desire to play on this side of the Tasman. He made an approach to join the Chiefs for the 2021 season, only for it to be vetoed by Rugby Australia.
OConnors parents are New Zealanders, and he holds a Kiwi passport.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/othe...7c72c7b&ei=277