Veteran playmaker James O’Connor signs new Queensland Reds deal

James O’Connor will begin his transition to coaching under the terms of his new one-year deal with the Queensland Reds.

James O'Connor is staying with the Reds for another year. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Former Queensland captain James O’Connor has signed a new one-year contract with the Reds that includes a coaching element as he plans for his post-playing career.

As part of his new contract, 32-year-old O’Connor will mentor a host of emerging Queensland playmakers, including Tom Lynagh, Lawson Creighton and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and coach within the state’s elite pathways.

“This contract also allows me to deliver on one of the main reasons I came back to Australia – to help develop the next generation of rugby talent here at the Reds and also through coaching the junior pathways, which has been a passion of mine for some time,” the 64-Test veteran said.

“I feel very privileged to be staying in Queensland. This is my home, my team and an opportunity to continue playing with a group of men I have a lot of love and respect for.”

James O'Connor has signed a new one-year deal with the Reds. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Recently appointed Reds coach Les Kiss said O’Connor’s “leadership and experience” were “an important aspect of the current squad.

“The lessons he can pass on to our up-and-coming playmakers will be pivotal in the coming years,” Kiss said.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”

O’Connor, who led the Reds to the Super Rugby AU title in 2021, felt there was “much” left for Queensland to achieve.

“I believe with our new world-class facility (at Ballymore), and under a coaching staff headed by Les, we can really find our next gear,” the versatile playmaker said.