Rugby
AAP with ESPN staff 3y

James O'Connor re-signs with Queensland Reds, Rugby Australia through 2023

Rugby, Super Rugby

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and Rugby Australia (RA) have secured the signature of Reds fly-half James O'Connor.

The 30-year-old has re-signed for the next two seasons that will see him remain at Ballymore and in Australian Rugby until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

"Queensland is my home. I was born here. I love this State, I love pulling on the maroon jersey, and this is where I want to finish my career," O'Connor said.

"We have a great team now and I think we are going to do some special things. I'm excited to be part of it and to help take them forward."

O'Connor captained the Reds to a breakthrough premiership, scoring every point in the 19-16 victory over the Brumbies to secure the Super Rugby AU title a fortnight ago.

He suffered a head knock in the Reds' 40-18 loss to the Highlanders in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman last Friday, but is fit to play the high-flying Crusaders in a crunch clash in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Beyond the Super Rugby season, O'Connor looms as Dave Rennie's first-choice fly-half for the Wallabies' three-Test series against France.

"It's been a pleasure to have James back in Australian Rugby. I said at the time that he had matured immensely while overseas, and I think we have all seen that over the last two years," RA director of rugby Scott Johnson said.

"James will be the first to say though that the work isn't done. We have a number of things to achieve in Australian Rugby in the coming years, and James' experience will be invaluable to both the Reds and the Wallabies.

"James also recognises the role he has as a mentor to our next generation too - and that may prove to his greatest legacy." 

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