James O'Connor retained for Wallabies' crunch Tests against All Blacks

18/09/2025 08:04

Flyhalf included despite flying to England to join new club Leicester
Coach Joe Schmidt's preferred scrumhalf Jake Gordon returns

James O'Connor has been retained in Australia's squad for back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand despite flying to England on Monday to join his new club Leicester.

O'Connor's inclusion denies Western Force playmaker Ben Donaldson a recall following his recovery from a thigh injury, with coach Joe Schmidt opting for Tom Lynagh and Tane Edmed as his other flyhalf options in the 34-man squad named on Thursday.

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