James O'Connor recalled as Wallabies name squad for Lions series

Australia have announced a 36-player Wallabies squad for the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions, with 35-year-old James O’Connor making a surprise return to the national side.

O’Connor, who last played for the Wallabies in 2022, has been brought in to fill the gap left by Noah Lolesio, who is recovering from neck surgery.

Lolesio, who had started 12 of Australia's last 14 Tests, was injured during a recent match against Fiji and will miss the entire Lions series.

In his absence, the fly-half options now include O’Connor, Tom Lynagh from the Queensland Reds, and Ben Donaldson from the Western Force.

Veteran prop James Slipper also returns to the squad and could become one of the rare Australian players to feature in two successive Lions series.

The rest of the squad sees a mix of established players and new faces, following Australia’s recent win over Fiji. Several players are still undergoing fitness assessments but are expected to be available for the first Test.

In preparation for the series, several former Wallabies have been named in an Australia–New Zealand Invitational XV set to face the Lions in Adelaide on 12 July. This fixture is seen as a key lead-up match ahead of the main event.

The first Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions will take place on 19 July at Lang Park in Brisbane.

Australia squad:

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.