St Joseph’s College, Nudgee old boy James O’Connor has secured a remarkable return to the Wallabies in a 36-man squad announced in Brisbane, placing him on the verge of playing in a second consecutive British & Irish Lions series.
Nudgee Product’s Celebrated Return
The selection marks a significant comeback for James O’Connor, who has not been part of a national squad since 2022. His inclusion follows an injury to flyhalf Noah Lolesio and a period of strong form. The recall highlights the enduring strength of Brisbane’s schoolboy rugby programmes, particularly at Nudgee College in the city’s northern suburbs, which is well-known for shaping elite players. O’Connor’s career was fostered at the GPS school, which also produced other professional players like former Wallaby Joe Tomane.
Veterans Chasing History
O’Connor’s return puts him alongside fellow veteran James Slipper in a position to achieve a rare feat in Australian rugby. If either player takes the field during a Test match, they will join Wallaby great George Smith as the only Australians to play in two successive series against the Lions, which tour only once every 12 years. Slipper, the most-capped Wallaby with 144 appearances, came off the bench in all three Tests in 2013, while O’Connor started at flyhalf for that entire series.
Squad Details for Lions Series
The squad, comprising 20 forwards and 16 backs, also includes two uncapped players in Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny. Queensland lock Josh Canham is the only other change from the squad that prepared for Fiji last month.
In another historical note, Tom Lynagh is in line to create the first Australian father-son duo to play against the Lions, with his father Michael having featured in the 1989 tour. The three-Test series begins at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night, before moving to Melbourne on Saturday, July 26, and concluding in Sydney on Saturday, 2 August.
Coaching Focus on Readiness
Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt stated that the selection process involved difficult decisions as the coaching staff worked to balance team continuity with recent player form. He explained that the group understands the special nature of playing the Lions and that all selected players will be competing for a Test jersey. Schmidt stressed the immediate need for the team to improve its accuracy and cohesion, with the first Test just eight days away.
Published Date 17-July-2025
