James O'Connor and James Slipper will become two of just three men to ever represent the Wallabies in two British & Irish Lions Series, after the veteran duo were named to the 2025 squad Friday.
With both men also suiting up during the 2013 edition, this will be their second time playing in the series, joining George Smith as the only Wallabies to face the British & Irish Lions in two separate series.
This comes as O'Connor rejoins the national team for the first time since 2022, one of 36 total men named in the squad for the three-week campaign.
James O'Connor and James Slipper join exclusive Wallabies club
George Smith will soon have some company, with James O'Connor and James Slipper joining him as the only men to play in two different British & Irish Lions Series.
The pair are part of the squad announced today by coach Joe Schmidt, before the series kicks off July 19.
"It’s bigger than a World Cup," O'Connor told media of the opportunity.
"It comes around every 12 years and you get one shot at it, usually, you want your aim to be true... it genuinely hasn’t sunk in yet."
The 35-year-old admitted that he was not expecting selection, but that he believes he will have an important role in the team.
"[What] I can add is game management and helping prepare in terms of what I think their starter plays will be, even in those pressure moments," he said.
The full squad has officially been announced, ahead of three clashes against the team from mid-July to early August.
Wallabies squad for British & Irish Lions series
Forwards
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Angus Bell
- Josh Canham
- Nick Champion De Crespigny
- Matt Faessler
- Nick Frost
- Langi Gleeson
- Tom Hooper
- Fraser McReight
- Zane Nonggorr
- Billy Pollard
- David Porecki
- Tom Robertson
- Will Skelton
- James Slipper
- Carlo Tizzano
- Taniela Tupou
- Rob Valetini
- Jeremy Williams
- Harry Wilson
Backs
- Filipo Daugunu
- Ben Donaldson
- Jake Gordon
- Len Ikitau
- Max Jorgensen
- Andrew Kellaway
- Tom Lynagh
- Tate McDermott
- James O’Connor
- Hunter Paisami
- Dylan Pietsch
- Harry Potter
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
- Corey Toole
- Nic White
- Tom Wright