Australia’s rugby coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed that veteran flyhalf James O’Connor is in contention for a spot in the team for the upcoming British and Irish Lions series. Schmidt recently emphasized O’Connor’s incredible depth of experience and range as a musician in conversation. He lauded O’Connor for an honorable and/or noteworthy showing thus far at the Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific.
Schmidt’s remarks come as he tunes the Wallabies up for the next Lions series, which starts in July 2025. O’Connor, who previously wore the Wallabies’ number 10 during the 2013 series against the Lions, will turn 35 before the first test in Brisbane. Schmidt thinks that O’Connor’s experience will serve her well as the team prepares for new and major challenges on the horizon.
Coaching Transition and Legacy
We found Schmidt to be very much in the mode of planning ahead. He’ll be watching intently his successor Les Kiss, who will take on the Wallabies coach role in mid-2026. This short transition period gives Kiss only a year to get the team ready before Australia steps onto the pitch for the 2027 World Cup. Schmidt knows that a legacy will be all too quickly laid bare. His intention is clearly to get the Wallabies on the path for success in the next World Cup.
Schmidt has built a formidable coaching staff. His attack chief is former Wallabies assistant coach Laurie Fisher, a renowned defensive and forwards coach Mike Cron, and lineout guru Geoff Parling. He shared his confidence in their capacity to keep continuity among the team.
A lot of people focus on head coaches but we’ve got a really good staff that are building a really good foundation in the Wallabies and a lot of staff will stay consistent. – Joe Schmidt
Kiss is quite familiar with Schmidt’s current coaching staff. This all will allow him to hit the ground running when he officially takes over. Above all, Schmidt’s goal is to make sure that this team stays competitive and continues to bond as they head into the World Cup.
Player Performance and Team Dynamics
Schmidt brought attention to up-and-coming talent Tom Lynagh. He only recently made his debut for the Wallabies, doing so last year and has been on fire with the Queensland Reds. Schmidt’s preferred flyhalf during his first season was Noah Lolesio, indicating that there are multiple options available as he prepares the team for the Lions series.
Schmidt praised O’Connor’s ability to do both, which makes the roster more dangerous. He stated, “James, he would bring experience back into the group (and) a little bit of versatility in that he’s played 12 in his career as well.”
As preparations continue, Schmidt hopes to use this opportunity to build a solid foundation for future success.
Hopefully that sees a successful springboard into 2027. – Joe Schmidt
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