James O'Connor has used a press conference to outline his desire to return to the Wallabies, admitting he hadn't told coach Les Kiss just how much he wants to play at a home World Cup.
On Wednesday, the versatile back rejoined the Western Force on a one-year deal to mark a "full circle" moment since making his Super Rugby debut with the club as a teenager in 2008.
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O'Connor says he'd be happy to play anywhere for the Perth-based outfit, including from the bench, as he believes the opportunity to play in the competition can better remind Kiss of his intention of wanting to feature in green and gold.
The move comes after fellow veteran Bernard Foley inked a deal with the NSW Waratahs as he also looks to propel himself into Kiss' gaze ahead of next year's World Cup.
"I've been speaking to 'Kissy'. I haven't let him know my intentions fully, but maybe he's hearing this," O'Connor said.
"He knows I'm hungry for it. He knows I want to be involved. So I'll let my rugby do the talking."
The 36-year-old would be a valuable asset to the Wallabies considering he is an experienced and quality playmaker, and would provide competition to current flyhalves Carter Gordon, Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith.
In his first starting appearance for the national team in 2009, O'Connor scored a hat-trick of tries which established a storied career for the versatile back that saw him feature for the Wallabies in two World Cups.
Although he was axed for the 2023 World Cup squad, he made a shock return to help the Australians claim a historic victory over South Africa last year at Ellis Park and subsequently played a key role throughout the Rugby Championship.
"The plan was to call it quits in 2023 after the World Cup. I couldn't make the World Cup and then it changed the goalpost for me," O'Connor said.
"I was 21 when I left (the Force). Not saying I was immature but ... I've had to develop a lot and create some other skills in my life that are useful.
"I've hit the mountaintop and come back down. So it hasn't been an easy ride.
"The man I am today ... I'd say is a lot more balanced, but definitely a lot more mature."
Fresh off a season with Leicester in England's Premiership, O'Connor returns to Super Rugby Pacific having played for the Melbourne Rebels (2012-13), Queensland Reds (2015, 2019-24) and Crusaders (2025) after leaving the Force.
