James O’Connor is set to make his long-anticipated debut for the Crusaders in Christchurch against the Hurricanes this Friday. The Wallabies veteran, who holds a New Zealand passport thanks to his parents, has always been keen to play for a Kiwi Super Rugby team. Although he nearly signed with the Chiefs in 2021, he will now join the Crusaders, aiming to bolster their squad after a disappointing previous season.
At 34, O’Connor, with 64 Test caps, will provide essential experience on the bench behind young playmaker Taha Kemara. Teammate Braydon Ennor has praised O’Connor for his mentoring role, saying his presence is invaluable to the younger players. While the signing has faced criticism from some, including former Crusader Wyatt Crockett, Ennor strongly supports it, highlighting the significant wisdom O’Connor brings.
The Crusaders seek redemption after last year’s struggles, where they finished with a disappointing record. Emphasising teamwork, the squad underwent extensive preseason bonding, focused on improving connection and understanding. O’Connor expressed excitement about joining the club, which boasts a rich history in Super Rugby, and he is eager to embrace the challenges ahead. The season-opener against the Hurricanes kicks off at 5.05pm AEDT on Friday, promising an intense showdown.