MELBOURNE, Sept 12 (Askume) – Former Australia half-back James O’Connor has rejected the Queensland Reds’ contract extension offer and will seek a new role overseas, the Super Rugby club said on Thursday.
The Kangaroo played 64 Tests and completed his second spell with the Reds after five seasons, returning to Ballymore in 2019 after a troubled year with the Brisbane side in 2015.
“The last five years have been the best years of my rugby career,” the 34-year-old said in a statement from the Reds.
“I leave Queensland a better player, leader and person, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to play for this team that is my home.”
The Reds did not reveal O’Connor’s plans to travel overseas and he could not be contacted on Thursday.
O’Connor will barely play for Les Kisses Reds in 2024 as he is struggling with a hamstring injury and has suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery.
However, he left Queensland with high morale after helping his old club brothers win the state semi-professional championship.
O’Connor, once dubbed the “bad boy” of Australian rugby for his off-field indiscipline, revived his international career with the Reds under former coach Brad Thorn and was selected for the Kangaroos squad for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. above.
Two years later, he led the Reds in the 2021 Super Rugby AU Championship.
Keith said: “We invited him to stay with the Reds and we will be sad to see him go, but we respect the decision.”
“His wealth of experience and willingness to share it has played a vital role in the Reds’ development, particularly with our younger teammates Tom Lehner and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.”
