MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Former Australia flyhalf James O’Connor has turned down an offer to extend his contract at the Queensland Reds and will look to take up a new role overseas, the Super Rugby club said on Thursday.
The 64-test Wallaby finishes his second stint at the Reds after five seasons, having returned to Ballymore in 2019 after a troubled year with the Brisbane-based team in 2015.
“These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” the 34-year-old said in a Reds statement.
“I’m departing Queensland a better player, leader and man, and I’m so grateful to have been able to play for this team, my home.”
The Reds did not disclose O’Connor’s overseas plans and he was unable to be contacted on Thursday.
O’Connor barely featured for the Les Kiss-coached Reds in 2024 as he struggled with a hamstring injury and suffered several setbacks in his recovery.
He leaves Queensland on a high note, though, after helping his old club Brothers win the state’s semi-professional championship.
Once known as the “bad boy” of Australian rugby for his indiscipline off the field, O’Connor revived his international career at the Reds under former boss Brad Thorn, earning selection in the Wallabies’ 2019 World Cup squad in Japan.
Two years later, he captained the Reds to the 2021 Super Rugby AU title.
“We did make him an offer to stay and continue at the Reds and will be sad to see him go, but we respect the decision,” Kiss said.
“His immense experience and willingness to share his experiences has played a pivotal role in the development of the Reds, most notably with our young flyhalves Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.”
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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