Leicester Tigers make move for controversial star after missing out on Owen Farrell
Rugby NewsFriday, 30 May 2025 at 09:14
Leicester Tigers are scrambling to fill their No.10 jersey for next season—and with Owen Farrell now tipped to return to Saracens, attention has turned to a wildcard option: James O’Connor.
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The Tigers are desperate. Both Handré Pollard and Jamie Shillcock are heading for the exit this summer, leaving a glaring hole in the fly-half role. They’ve already moved to bring back Charlie Titcombe from Scarlets, but at just 22, he lacks the international stature Leicester crave.
Enter James O’Connor.
The 34-year-old Wallaby has been catching the eye with Crusaders in Super Rugby and is firmly on Leicester’s radar. His current contract in New Zealand runs until the end of the 2025 season—but sources suggest the Tigers could make a move sooner.
O’Connor is no stranger to English rugby, having previously turned out for London Irish and Sale Sharks. A player of immense talent—and controversy—he’s racked up 64 Test caps for Australia and can cover almost any position across the backline.
He hasn’t played Test rugby since 2022 but remains in the conversation for Joe Schmidt's Wallabies squad ahead of this summer’s series against the British & Irish Lions—a full 12 years since he last faced them.
Tigers coach Geoff Parling, currently working with Australia, will know O’Connor’s abilities first-hand—and may play a key role in getting the deal over the line.
A colourful past
O’Connor’s career has been anything but quiet. In 2013, he was axed from the Wallabies after being escorted from Perth Airport by police. Four years later, he was arrested in Paris alongside ex-All Black Ali Williams, accused of trying to buy cocaine.
Despite the headlines, O’Connor has spoken candidly about his battles with addiction and has worked hard to rebuild both his career and reputation.
Could Welford Road be the stage for his next act? The Tigers need experience, X-factor—and a little bit of edge. O’Connor might just tick every box.
EDITORS PICKS:
The 10 greatest fly-halves in rugby history – ranked
From pinpoint kicks to split-second decisions under pressure, fly-halves are the players you trust when the game’s on the line. And over the years, we’ve seen some absolute icons wear the No.10 shirt — legends who’ve shaped teams, tournaments, and eras.
Here’s our rundown of the 10 fly-halves who redefined greatness and carved their names into rugby folklore.
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10 Greatest Fly-Halves in Rugby History [Ranked]
10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
One of the most dynamic and versatile players in modern rugby, Barrett's speed, agility, and playmaking ability make him a standout. With two World Player of the Year awards to his name, Barrett’s ability to break defenses and his electric running game have made him a constant threat at both fly-half and fullback for the All Blacks.
9. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
A Welsh icon, Jonathan Davies was known for his exceptional playmaking skills, vision, and tactical kicking. He was a pivotal player during the 1980s and early '90s, representing both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. His ability to control a game with flair and intelligence made him one of the finest fly-halves of his generation.
8. Grant Fox (New Zealand)
Fox was instrumental in New Zealand’s 1987 World Cup win, known for his kicking precision and calm under pressure. He set the standard for tactical fly-half play.
7. Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton has been one of the top playmakers in modern rugby, guiding Ireland to multiple Six Nations titles and playing a pivotal role in the 2018 Grand Slam victory. His tactical acumen and kicking accuracy have made him indispensable for Ireland.
6. Owen Farrell (England)
Known for his leadership and incredible consistency, Owen Farrell has been a vital figure for England and Saracens over the last decade. His accurate kicking and game management, combined with a tenacious defensive edge, have made him one of the most influential players of his era.
Farrell’s ability to handle pressure and his strong leadership have helped England to numerous Six Nations titles and a World Cup final appearance in 2019.
5. Handré Pollard (South Africa)
Pollard’s calm under pressure and precision with the boot make him one of the best fly-halves of the modern era. His crucial contributions to South Africa's 2019 World Cup triumph, including his exceptional game management and match-winning kicks, have solidified his place among the greats.
4. Michael Lynagh (Australia)
Lynagh was the architect behind Australia’s World Cup-winning side in 1991. Known for his pinpoint kicking and strategic brilliance, he led the Wallabies through a dominant era in international rugby.
3. Barry John (Wales)
The Welsh maestro, known as “The King,” was a player of exceptional flair and instinctive play in the 1970s. His performances, especially on the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, solidified his legendary status.
2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Arguably the best fly-half of the modern era, Carter's all-around game—flawless kicking, playmaking ability, and tactical awareness—helped the All Blacks dominate world rugby for over a decade. Carter played a key role in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 World Cup victories.
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
A fly-half whose career will forever be associated with his match-winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final. Wilkinson’s kicking ability, work ethic, and clutch performances made him one of the most celebrated players in rugby history. His ability to perform under pressure and commitment to excellence have earned him the top spot on this list.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.
These "one-cap wonders" might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.
Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!
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