Australia have called up James O’Connor to replace Noah Lolesio for their series against the British and Irish Lions.
Lolesio has been ruled out of all three Tests after undergoing neck surgery so O’Connor has been drafted in to supply additional fly-half cover to Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh.
It is nearly three years since O’Connor last played for the Wallabies and the 35-year-old has the distinction of having faced the Lions across the 2013 series.
“I feel like I’ve been building towards this for quite a while in my role for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, tailoring it in a way for a possible opportunity to play against the Lions,” O’Connor said.
“A Lions series is bigger than a World Cup. I didn’t take it for granted in 2013, I just wasn’t aware of it. You usually get one shot at it so you want your aim to be true.”
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 11, 2025
Wallabies squad for Lions Test series
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds), Nick Champion De Crespigny (Western Force)*, Matt Faessler (Queensland Reds), Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies), Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies), David Porecki (NSW Waratahs), Tom Robertson (Western Force), Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais), James Slipper (ACT Brumbies), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force), Taniela Tupou (NSW Waratahs), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies), Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
Backs: Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds), Ben Donaldson (Western Force), Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs), Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs), Tom Lynagh (Queensland Reds), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds), James O’Connor (Crusaders), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force), Harry Potter (Western Force), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs), Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies)*, Nic White (Western Force), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
* Denotes uncapped player