Tug-of-war over James O’Connor, Bernard Foley rubbishes retirement call as potential Wallabies influx on the cards before Rugby World Cup
Bernard Foley and James O’Connor are both weighing up a return to Australia next year, according to a report.
The veterans are well into their 30s now, and while it was reported in Japan that Foley would be hanging up his boots upon his exit from Kubota Spears, those claims have been denied by the player’s agent.
Meanwhile, O’Connor is fielding interest as he nears the end of his Leicester Tigers’ contract, having joined the PREM Rugby club as a replacement for Handre Pollard after a successful stint at the Crusaders which earned him a recall to the Wallabies’ squad.
Bernard Foley isn’t done yet
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Foley’s manager confirmed that suggestions that the 76-Test Wallaby hasn’t called time on his career yet and is still considering his options.
“Reports of his retirement are premature and incorrect,” Cameron Day said. “We have had approaches from all corners of the rugby world over the last nine months and Bernard is carefully considering what is next for him. That process is ongoing.”
The 36-year-old left Australian shores in 2020 to join the Kubota Spears and played a pivotal role in the club winning the Japan Rugby League One title in 2023, with the side coached by former Bulls boss Frans Ludeke on course to reach the knockout stages this season, as they sit third on the overall log after 16 rounds.
Pressed by the publication as to whether any Australian Super Rugby clubs were among those who have approached Foley, Day declined to comment, but SMH‘s sources state that the Waratahs have shown recent interest, while there have been informal talks with the Queensland Reds too.
While O’Connor was back in the mix for the Wallabies last year, Foley hasn’t pulled on the gold jumper since November 2022, when he started the 13-10 defeat to Ireland.
James O’Connor’s potential return and who could join him
The report states that O’Connor is also eager to return to Australia next year ahead of the country’s home Rugby World Cup and has had contact with the Reds and Waratahs, too, if a spot opens up on the roster.
The veteran playmaker has also been linked with the Durban Sharks, with reports in South Africa stating that head coach JP Pietersen is keen to recruit an experienced fly-half to bolster his stocks, with Italian international Tommy Allan on their radar too.
Returning to Australia would likely be the preference of the fly-half, considering the lure of the Rugby World Cup and putting himself squarely in the selection sights of incoming Wallabies head coach Les Kiss.
He may not be alone in attempting to secure a contract at an Australian Super Rugby Pacific club for next year, with informed sources telling the publication that forwards Izack Rodda and Lachlan Swinton are also considering homecomings with the pair plying their trade at Provence Rugby and Bordeaux Bègles, respectively.
Opportunities for the experienced duo
Spots could open up for the likes of O’Connor and Foley in Australia with the Reds currently uncertain whether Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will be on their books next season. Lynagh is understood to be weighing up a move to Japan while McLaughlin-Phillips is fielding interest from the Western Force. Carter Gordon is signed through to 2028 with Queensland, but the depth below him for next season remains unclear.
As for the Waratahs, they are in talks to extend Jack Debreczeni’s contract by another year but also have Joey Fowler and Max Burey on their payroll for 2027, while the SMH states that Jack Bowen’s future at the club is uncertain.
Aussie influx
Foley and O’Connor’s desire to return home ahead of the Rugby World Cup is one shared by many players, with Len Ikitau scheduled to rejoin the Brumbies after his stint with the Exeter Chiefs this season, and the same is true for Waratahs’ prop Angus Bell, who joined Ulster on a short-term deal.
The Western Force have also snapped up the services of James Ramm, who has impressed during his time with the Northampton Saints.
But Tom Hooper returning early from Exeter Chiefs looks to be off the cards with the Wallabies back-rower considering a contract extension despite his current deal only expiring at the end of the 2026/27 season.
The 25-year-old left the Brumbies after last season’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign after he was largely overlooked by the Wallabies after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, he forced his way back into the selection frame in 2025 and featured in all three Tests against the British and Irish Lions.
In March, he told reporters that he was open to extending his stay at Sandy Park with Exeter boss Rob Baxter confirming that the club is willing to hand him an extension.
“The conversation I had with Tom was ‘I’d love you to stay more than the two years’, he said ‘let’s look into it’, and that’s what we’re doing,” Baxter said. “But that’s as far as it’s gone at the moment.
“He’s made an impression on me, more than just playing-wise with the character he is around the place and the energy he brings; and he’s obviously a very good player. It simplifies things that Australia are happy to select players outside of Australia, and that’s part of it as well.”
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