Wallabies veteran James O’Connor has backed a change to eligibility laws which would make it more attractive for Aussies and Kiwis to engage in trans-Tasman Super Rugby swaps.
While acknowledging the self-interest involved after his surprise move to the Crusaders for the 2025 season, O’Connor is voicing the opinion of many in the game that it should be possible for players to win Wallabies or All Blacks selection while playing for any Super Rugby team.
Under current regulations that’s not allowed.
While All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has put the overseas eligibility debate back in the public domain, O’Connor was asked about more flexible rules during a media appearance this week.
“That’s above my paygrade,” he said when asked about the current restrictions. “With the situation I’m in, of course I’d love that right now.
“It’s one competition, it’s three hours. It’s closer to here [Australia to New Zealand] than it is to Perth.
“We play such different styles. It would be pretty unique for guys to go and experience a year in a different place, instead of going overseas and playing there.
“It would definitely be good for some Aussies.”
O’Connor, 34, is likely to have played his final Test of 64 for the Wallabies regardless of the rules, and the decision by the Crusaders to pick him up from the Reds has caused some consternation in New Zealand, with critics saying he’s blocking the path of young Kiwi talent.
This year the Crusaders found the No.10 jersey problematic with Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana, Riley Hohepa and David Havili given a run as the team suffered a massive fall from grace.
O’Connor was well regarded for helping mentor Tom Lynagh in Brisbane and the Crusaders want him to do similar in his one year with the franchise – while the veteran is adamant he’s there to start.
James O’Connor has signed a one-year deal to join the Crusaders. Photo: Crusaders Media
“Taha is 21, Rivez is 24,” O’Connor said. “They’ve got the world ahead of them. It’s a beautiful time for them. For me, I’m competing against them. I’ve made it very clear I want that 10 jersey.
“I want us to all compete for it and bring the best out of each other. At the same time, we need to be able to move not similarly, the team needs to understand that the way we’re all playing is similar.
“If one person goes down, the next one can step up. Still bring your strengths, but the communication is very similar, the language is similar, the lines are quite similar. Then you bring your unique finesse to that.
“There’s been moments where I’ve watched them both and thought it’s going to be hard to get into this 23.”
O’Connor comes to a team that set the standard under Richie Mo’unga but fell away badly this year to finish ninth.
“I’ve never been schooled as much as a 10 than when Richie did us at Suncorp when I was with the Reds. He’s a special player,” said O’Connor.
“I won’t be playing the same way he plays, I can’t do what he can do. I can do other things in different areas, that’s what I’m trying to do with the coaches.
“I play how I play, I’m James. I have the directive from the coaches, this is the gameplan etc.
“My mind sees the game differently to other players. I see it quite analytically, I played quite a bit of rugby league. The way I count numbers and spot space is different to a natural born 10.
“This is just what I’ve been given and what I’ve worked with. When you try to be something you’re not, it doesn’t usually work out.”
Meanwhile one-Test All Black Shaun Stevenson is seeking an early release from the final year of his deal with NZR and the Chiefs to take up an offer in Japan, according to reports.
