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.

O’Connor has answered the Wallabies’ SOS following the gutting injury to fly-half Noah Lolesio with James Slipper joining the recalled veteran in playing for Australia in two successive British & Irish Lions Series. The pair join Wallabies great George Smith in achieving the incredible feat, with Schmidt naming an otherwise settled squad.

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.

Leicester Tigers-bound James OConnor recalled to Australia squad three years after last Test appearance; OConnor faced Lions in 2013;watch Lions vs AUNZ Invitational on Saturday July 12 on Sky Sports Action & Main Event from 10am;

Andy Farrell’s side improve on Waratahs struggle but ship four tries and concede double-digit penalties in Canberra

James O'Connor will join James Slipper in playing against the British & Irish Lions series for a second time, after the veteran was recalled to the Wallabies squad by Joe Schmidt.

This is your chance to win rare tickets to one of the three Tests between the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions.

The British and Irish Lions have secured a tough 21-10 win over New South Wales Waratahs for their third victory in eight days during their Australian tour

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell is not fearing the worst for Blair Kinghorn after the Scotland full-back suffered a first-half knee injury in the Lions' win over the Brumbies.