James O’Connor is a globally recognised rugby player, currently at Leicester Tigers as a Fly-Half and Full Back. He also earned over 60 international caps for Australia and previously made history as the youngest-ever Super Rugby debutant at the age of 17 with Western Force. As a player who has rapidly established himself in international rugby, James is a compelling speaker who shares his story of navigating the success and challenges of professional sport.
James started his career with a rugby scholarship and playing internationally for the Australian Schoolboys before making his Super Rugby debut at the age of 17 with the Perth team Western Force, becoming the youngest-ever player in the competition. Becoming the second youngest player to debut for Australia at the age of 18, he was selected for the 2011 World Cup squad and was part of Australia’s third-place finish. He joined the Melbourne Rebels before playing for European teams London Irish, Toulon and Sale Sharks. Returning to Australian rugby, James signed for Queensland Reds in 2019 and became captain of the team for the 2021 Super Rugby AU season, with an undefeated season under his leadership. After a brief stint in New Zealand with the Crusaders team, James joined Leicester Tigers in 2025.
A standout performer throughout his playing career, James won the Rookie of the Year award for his debut seasons at Western Force and Australia. Achieving success with multiple teams, he has contributed towards major tournament wins, including captaining the Queensland Reds to their 2021 Super Rugby AU title, the Super Rugby title in 2025 with the Crusaders and the Premiership Rugby Cup with Leicester Tigers. Outside of rugby, James was a participant on the reality competition series ‘Australia’s Greatest Athlete’ and has been a long-term ambassador for Karma Group, a luxury travel and lifestyle brand.
With one of rugby’s best comeback stories, James speaks on resilience, leadership, peak performance and team culture. He is a popular speaker for panel events and motivational talks. If you are looking for an authentic and relatable sports speaker, hire James for your next event today!
James O'Connor's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Rugby
- Leadership
- High-Performance Mindset
- Team Culture
- Resilience
- 2026 – Won Premiership Rugby Cup with Leicester Tigers
- 2025 – Joined Leicester Tigers
- 2025 – Joined New Zealand side Crusaders, winning Super Rugby title
- 2021 – Announced as captain of Queensland Reds for Super Rugby AU season
- 2019 – Signed 2-year deal with Queensland Reds & Rugby Australia, selected for Australia’s World Cup squad
- 2017 – Signed with English Premiership club Sale Sharks
- 2015 – Signed with French team Toulon
- 2015 – Returned to Super Rugby playing for Queensland Reds
- 2013 – Signed by London Irish
- 2012 – Joined Melbourne Rebels
- 2010 – Participant in the reality competition series Australia’s Greatest Athlete
- 2009 – Won Rookie of the Year award for Western Force and Australia
- 2008 – Became second youngest player to debut for Australia at the age of 18
- 2008 – Became youngest ever Super Rugby debutant at the age of 17 & joined Western Force
- 2007 – Played for Australian Schoolboys
How to hire James O'Connor
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James O'Connor for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
