Wallabies name James O'Connor in squad for British and Irish Lions Test

James O'Connor has a chance to complete one of the most unlikely returns to the Wallabies, being named in the 36-player squad for the British and Irish Lions Test series.

O'Connor, 35, has not played Test rugby since 2022. However, he impressed in New Zealand to help the Crusaders win the Super Rugby championship.

ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia this July and August.

Now Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has picked O'Connor in the squad after an injury to fly-half Noah Lolesio during last weekend's Test win over Fiji.

O'Connor has played 64 Test matches for Australia, including three against the Lions in 2013 at number 10.

The veteran will battle for the starting fly-half role with Queensland Reds player Tom Lynagh and Western Force player Ben Donaldson.

Should Lynagh play for the Wallabies in the Test series, he and his father Michael will become the first father-son duo to play against the Lions for Australia.

Schmidt said the experience of O'Connor would be valuable in the squad for the Test series.

"Obviously, I had a few conversations with James during the year and he had a good Super season for the Crusaders," Schmidt said.

"He stayed close. He stayed connected the whole way through, and his experience was something that helped Tom Lynagh last year with the Reds.

"So that experience can potentially help the players again, particularly our young 10s, as they continue to progress as well."

James O'Connor started at fly-half for the Wallabies in all three Test matches against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. (AP: Mal Fairclough, File)

Prop James Slipper has also been selected in the Wallabies squad, having also played against the Lions in 2013.

Only George Smith has played in consecutive Lions' series since it became a 12-year cycle.

Veteran scrumhalf Nic White has his chance to play a Test against the Lions, after being injured for the 2013 series.

Coach Schmidt has also named two uncapped Wallabies in the squad, Brumbies winger Corey Toole and Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny.

"As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls," Schmidt said.

"We're conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they'll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare.

"We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days."

The Lions are undefeated on their tour of Australia, defeating all four Super Rugby teams in tour matches.

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The Lions did lose the first match of the 2025 tour, a Test against Argentina in Dublin, going down 28-24.

The Wallabies needed a last-minute try to defeat Fiji 21-18 in Newcastle last Sunday, the only Test in the lead-up to the three-match series against the Lions.

The 36-player squad includes four players who missed the Fiji Test due to injury — Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, Lynagh and Jake Gordon.

The first Test between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions will be held at Lang Park in Brisbane on Saturday, July 19.

Game two of the series will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, then game three at Sydney's Stadium Australia on August 2.

Wallabies squad vs British and Irish Lions

Forwards

Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell. Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs

Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen , Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright

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