Wallabies flyhalf James O’Connor admits he has come close to walking away from rugby several times during his turbulent career.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the 35-year-old said recurring injuries – particularly a troublesome ankle problem – left him on the verge of retirement.
“I’ve contemplated retiring quite a few times,” O’Connor said. “When I couldn’t get my ankle right, I was like, if I get injured once more, I’m done. I can’t do this again. It had been sort of three years of the same ankle, not being able to do what you used to do.”
O’Connor said those struggles forced him to adapt his style.
“I’ve had to change my game four or five times because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be playing anymore,” he added. “You have to study it, learn new ways. You’re not as fast anymore, you’re not as abrasive. It’s just about adapting and growing. The game’s changed too – defences are more organised now, so it’s about understanding those systems.”
Now back in England for a third stint – this time with the Leicester Tigers – O’Connor says he’s a different man to the 23-year-old who arrived at London Irish in 2013.
“Obviously I cared about the game, but it was a different care – a 23-year-old whose mind was more on going out and rugby was just a side piece,” he reflected.
Since then, O’Connor has rediscovered his passion and purpose. His time at the Sale Sharks between 2017 and 2019, under coach Steve Diamond, was pivotal in rebuilding his career after a troubled spell in France.
“That’s where I started my rebuild and really learning the intricacies of rugby,” he said. “That’s where my love for it came back.”
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Now, with experience and perspective, O’Connor says his motivation is about more than just playing.
“Part of the enjoyment of being here is teaching the next generation so they don’t have to go through the hard lessons I did, on and off the field.”
