James O’Connor has returned to a Wallabies squad almost three years after his last test when the veteran flyhalf was included to face the British and Irish Lions in the first test on July 19 in Brisbane.

Veteran playmaker James O’Connor has answered Australia ’s fly half SOS ahead of the British and Irish Lions series, with the 35-year-old given a shock Wallabies recall. O’Connor returns to Joe Schmidt ’s squad for the three Tests against the tourists after the hosts lost first-choice No 10 Noah Lolesio to injury in their win over Fiji last week.

James O'Connor has a chance to complete one of the most unlikely returns to the Wallabies, being named in the 36-player squad for the British and Irish Lions Test series. O'Connor, 35, has not played Test rugby since 2022. However, he impressed in New Zealand to help the Crusaders win the Super Rugby championship.