‘Retirement played on my mind’ – James O’Connor
James O'Connor looks on from the bench during the second half of the Round 1 Trans-Tasman Super Rugby match between the Otago Highlanders and Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AAP Image/Derek Morrison) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **
Australia and Reds fly-half James O’Connor admitted that he contemplated retirement after initially struggling to live up to his immense potential.
The playmaker made his Super Rugby debut at the age 17 for the Western Force and was tipped to be one of the next global superstars in the game.
Despite earning 44 caps between 2008 and 2013, it never quite worked out as injuries and off-field problems hampered his progress.
It led to a stint abroad with London Irish and Toulon, but there were allegations of cocaine use while in France and the Top 14 club decided not to renew his contract.
He then switched to English side Sale Sharks, who somewhat became the unofficial home of talented rugby delinquents.
Sale was where Danny Cipriani reignited his career and O’Connor went on the same path, re-finding his passion for the sport and earning a place in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Century of appearances
Since then, the 30-year-old has moved back to his home country, helping the Reds to claim the AU title, and is now set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
O’Connor was named the most valuable player in the recent domestic competition and is the favourite to take the fly-half jersey for the Wallabies later this year.
“For a big part of my career I didn’t think I’d get back home to Australia,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been open that I was going to give it one last shot but the thought of retirement definitely played on my mind.
“I put my head down and got to work and I’m enjoying the fruits of my labour and being a part of this group.”
With off-field issues often getting the headlines rather than his on-field performances earlier in his career, O’Connor admitted that they stemmed from his inability to fully appreciate the here and now.
“It’s not always about the outcome,” he said.
“When I was younger I was always chasing the next thing, the next milestone, it was always about chasing pleasure so my advice is about enjoying the smaller moments in life.”
O’Connor played a key role as the Reds broke the Australians’ barren run in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, overcoming the Chiefs 40-34.
They are set to take on the Blues on Friday and the playmaker believes that they have now adapted to the way the New Zealand sides play.
“We’re starting to feel that flow. It’s a very different dynamic the way Kiwis play and it took us a bit longer for us to adapt,” he added.
“The Blues are on top of the table. They’ve played really well in both Super Rugby Aotearoa and this trans-Tasman comp.
“They’re a very physical team and they play exciting footy so for us it’s another great challenge but I know the guys are up to the job.”
