James O'Connor set to play Western Force for first time since 2011 against Brumbies

James O’Connor is set to pull on a Western Force jersey for the first time since 2011, named on the bench for Sunday’s Super Rugby AUS second-round fixture against the ACT Brumbies at North Coast Sharks RUFC. The Wallabies veteran was recently confirmed as a new Force signing ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

O’Connor’s return comes in a reshuffled backline after Harry McLaughlin-Phillips was called into Wallabies camp, where he is the only potential debutant in contention to face the Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium this month. With McLaughlin-Phillips unavailable, Kurtley Beale steps into the run-on side at fly-half, partnering halfback Nathan Hastie.

The starting XV carries significant Wallabies experience. Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny anchor the forward pack, with Champion de Crespigny — who captained Australia against Japan’s Brave Blossoms roughly a year ago — joining Jack Daly and Jackson Iose in the backrow. Will Harris and Zak Healey start as the two locks, while former England international Nic Dolly captains the side from hooker alongside Robertson and Brad Kuhn.

In the backs, Boston Fakafanua starts at inside centre alongside former NRL player Zac Lomax in the midfield. Ronan Leahy and former Australia Sevens representative Wallace Charlie are named on the wings, with vice-captain Mac Grealy at fullback.

O’Connor and Misinale Epenisa are among the replacements, with O’Connor wearing the No. 22 shirt. His inclusion marks the completion of a long journey back to the club where his professional career began, before stints in Europe and across Australia’s other Super Rugby franchises.