James O'Connor returns to Western Force

James O’Connor will return to the Western Force for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, completing a remarkable return to the club where he made his professional breakthrough as a teenager almost two decades ago.

James O’Connor returns to Western Force

O’Connor made his Super Rugby debut for the Force as a 17-year-old in 2008, becoming the youngest player to appear in the competition at the time.

The versatile back played 39 matches and scored 10 tries during four seasons in Perth between 2008 and 2011. He remains the Force’s second-highest points scorer with 306 points, behind Cameron Shepherd’s 372.

Now 36, O’Connor will return to Perth following a season with Leicester Tigers in England.

Wallabies veteran brings major experience

O’Connor has earned 74 caps for Australia and represented the Wallabies at two Rugby World Cups, with his most recent Test appearance coming against Ireland in November 2025.

His extensive Super Rugby career includes spells with the Force, Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Reds and Crusaders, accumulating 127 appearances.

O’Connor helped the Crusaders win the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific title and captained Queensland to the Super Rugby AU championship in 2021. His overseas career has also included London Irish, Toulon, Sale Sharks and Leicester.

O’Connor targets Force finals breakthrough

O’Connor described his return to Perth as a “full circle moment” and believes he still has plenty to contribute on the field.

“I’m so excited to join the Force. It feels like a full circle moment in my life. Perth and the Force is where it all began for me as a 17-year-old so this feels almost fated to find myself back here at this stage in my career.

“I’ve got a lot of love for Perth as a city. It’s where we want to lay some roots down. We will welcome our first son into the world in a month or so, so it’s a very special time for us".