Experienced international James O’Connor will join Leicester Tigers ahead of the 25/26 season.
The versatile back, capable of playing across the backline, joins the club after a successful 2025 Super Rugby season, which saw the 34-year-old play a vital role in the Crusaders title-winning campaign
"I’m at a place where I want to test myself, step up and deliver on the big stage"
O’Connor was the youngest ever Super Rugby debutant when he made his Western Force debut at just 17 years of age in 2008. His Test debut for the Wallabies came just months later, against Italy, on Australia’s northern hemisphere tour.
He spent four seasons with the Force before joining the Melbourne Rebels in 2012 & 2013. At the end of the 2013 Super Rugby season, O’Connor moved to London Irish ahead of the 2013/14 Premiership season.
He then had a brief stint with the Queensland Reds in 2015, with a focus on making the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but that wasn’t to be, and he decided to keep learning and developing his game by signing with European powerhouse RCT Toulon. He made more than 50 appearances for the French club, helping them reach two Top 14 Finals.
O’Connor returned to England to join Sale Sharks ahead of the 17/18 Premiership season and spent two seasons at the club before making the choice to leave his deal a year early and have one last crack at a Wallabies recall and Rugby World Cup.
His move proved successful, earning selection in Michael Cheika’s Australian squad for what would be O’Connor’s second Rugby World Cup after featuring in the 2011 tournament.
He has made 64 Test appearances for the Wallabies and represented Australia at Sevens also in his early years.
A prolific points-scorer, O’Connor sits just outside the top ten on Super Rugby’s all-time points-scorers tally and has more than 250 points for Australia at Test level.
He then signed for New Zealand powerhouse, the Crusaders in 2025. A move that proved very fruitful for both him and the organisation.
Speaking about joining Leicester Tigers, O’Connor said: “Leicester are well known down under as the team in England; rich in history and team culture.”
“Geoff called me a few weeks ago when I was deciding on my future and it just felt right. I’ve played under Geoff, in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and I feel we see the game through a similar lens.
“As for the playing element, I’m just bloody excited to take the field and help in any way I can. Tigers are a quality side, what more proof do you need than this year’s Final? I have been watching intensely from afar and am very excited to slot in and help the team grow in any way possible.
“For me coming in, it’s not so much about what I’ll be doing, more so how can I be the most useful team man to help us go one better. Whether that’s on the training pitch, creating game plans off it or if I’m given the keys to steer the ship. Whatever my role lands on, I’m just excited for the new experience!”
Discussing the return to the Premiership, he added: “I feel like it’s a full circle moment. I’ve been honing my craft for the last six years as a fly-half and have picked up a lot of new knowledge, not only in Australia but also this year with the Crusaders.”
“So, now I’m at a place where I want to test myself, step up and deliver on the big stage. I’ve played for two teams in the Premiership, but I never felt I played my best footy, due to injury, life choices and just where I was at as a man. So, this move is to rectify this.”
On calling Mattioli Woods Welford Road home, O’Connor said: “As I said, the Tigers are known for their ability to just grind teams out. Rugby doesn’t always have to be pretty or strategic.”
“A lot of the time it’s how willing each teammate is to go deep into pain for their brothers and that’s one thing I’ve always noticed with the Tigers; effort can never be questioned when you play them!”
General Manager Richard Wilks added: “James brings a wealth of experience to the club next season, which will be a huge benefit to our group, of which the age profile is significantly younger next season.”
“He’s not just played a lot of rugby but has experienced a lot of unique and successful environments over almost two decades, and remains hungry to learn, grow and develop. He wants to come to Leicester and contribute on and off the field, in a senior leadership role.
“We saw this season with the Crusaders that he is still at the top of his game, with added value given his versatility, and joins us on the back of a successful, trophy-winning season. We are very excited to welcome James to Leicester Tigers.”
