James O'Connor

JAMES O’CONNOR stands poised to become the second youngest player ever to wear the Wallaby jersey after his selection for Australia’s Spring Tour. The former Australian Schools representative was 18 years and 80 days on the date of his Qantas Wallabies selection. An Australian Schools representative last year, O’Connor hails from Brisbane’s Nudgee College – the same institution that produced the 2008 Wallabies Hugh McMeniman and Rocky Elsom. O’Connor joined the Western Force for this year’s Investec Super 14, making his debut back in familiar territory in Brisbane against the Queensland Reds. O’Connor has already represented Australia at senior international level in Sevens, featuring in the Adelaide and Hong Kong tournaments earlier this year.

A utility back who is capable at either flyhalf, or inside centre, his most recent exposure at senior level was gained on the Western Force’s just concluded development tour of the United Kingdom. Through his family connections, O’Connor was also eligible for both South Africa and New Zealand. His 84-year-old grand father Maurice O’Connor represented Wellington.

2006  Selected in an Australian Under-16 ‘merit’ side after appearing for the Queensland Under-16s in the national championships in Sydney.

2007  Featured in the Queensland I side which won the Australian Schools Division I championships at Canberra in July. Was selected from that tournament for the Australian Schools team which played the England Under-18s in August, and then Samoa Schools in September.

2008  Made his Investec Super 14 debut for the Western Force against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Wound up his maiden Super rugby season with four caps, then featured in every match on the Force’s developmental tour of the United Kingdom.