Veteran Wallabies playmakers Bernard Foley and James O’Connor are both considering a potential swansong season in Australia next year ahead of the Rugby World Cup, and have had contact with several Super Rugby teams about potential roles.
O’Connor and Foley – who have played a combined 144 Tests for the Wallabies – are finishing up their contracts at the Leicester Tigers (UK) and Kubota Spears (Japan) in June.
Despite reports recently that Foley had retired – based on Kubota’s social media posts – the 36-year-old’s agent said his client had not hung up the boots, and was considering options to play on.
“Reports of his retirement are premature and incorrect,” Foley’s manager 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.”
Day declined to elaborate on whether Australian clubs were among those who’d approached but informed sources said the 76-Test playmaker, who steered the Wallabies to a World Cup final in 2015, has had recent interest from the Waratahs, and there has also been informal contact with the Queensland Reds about a potential role under incoming coach Vern Cotter next year.
Foley last played Super Rugby in 2019 before moving to Japan, where he has been a dominant figure and helped Kubota win the 2023 Top League title, and finish runner-up last year. His last Test for the Wallabies was in November 2022 against Ireland.
O’Connor, who played seven Tests last year in a remarkable comeback, is also eager on a return to Australia in 2027 if a spot on a roster opens up. Informed sources said the 35-year-old has had contact with the Reds and Waratahs but no offers have been made yet.
O’Connor could also end up in Durban with the Sharks, who play in the United Rugby Championship. Sharks coach JP Pietersen is keen on signing O’Connor, according to South African newspaper Rapport.
Australian rugby’s biggest showpiece event since a home World Cup in 2003 – famous for Jonny Wilkinson’s late drop-goal against the Wallabies in the final – is proving to be a drawcard for players. Former Wallaby forwards Izack Rodda and Lachlan Swinton are also considering returning to Australia from France, according to informed sources.
As far as No.10s, the Reds have Carter Gordon, who played five-eighth for the Wallabies against France in their final Test of 2025, on the books for next year.
But there is uncertainty about whether either Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will be at the franchise next year. The latter is being strongly chased by the Western Force and injury-plagued Lynagh is also off contract and looking at options in Japan.
The Reds also have 18-year-old Finn Mackay, and he was impressive in the Junior Wallabies’ 34-29 loss to New Zealand on Tuesday morning.
The Waratahs have spoken recently about the value of having a senior statesman at No.10, where they can mentor a stable of younger playmakers. The Tahs are talking with veteran No.10 Jack Debreczeni about extending his one-season deal, and also have Joey Fowler and the recently signed Harry Burey. The future of Jack Bowen, who is off contract and has only played once this season, is uncertain.
The Waratahs haven’t made a Super Rugby final since Foley’s side of 2014 beat the Crusaders in Sydney.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said he has kept in contact with O’Connor after working together at the Wallabies, and he also appeared to keep a door slightly ajar for Foley.
“I obviously got to know him (O’Connor) well throughout the Wallaby period there and chatted to him about (O’Connor’s former Crusaders’ teammate) Ioane (Moananu) and that sort of thing and obviously spoke to him around Leicester.
“So I have conversations with him. I haven’t spoken to James about coming back here. And we’ve had conversations in the past with Bernard, but nothing sort of eventuated there.
“Whilst he’s at the end of his career, he’s certainly playing really good rugby up in Kubota and that’s a fast, intense competition, you know? So I think the top league is probably pretty similar to Super Rugby.
With a dominant pack and Mackay in strong form at No.10, the Junior Wallabies led New Zealand 24-12 at halftime in the Under 20 Rugby Championships in Gqeberha.
But yellow cards to Cooper Watters and Angus Grover in the second half left the Junior Wallabies with 13 men for a stretch, and the Kiwis surged back and took the game.
Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
Tom Decent is the chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.