Michael O'Connor (Rugby player)
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Michael O'Connor was an Australian rugby league and rugby union player - a dual international. He represented the Wallabies in 13 Tests from 1979 to 1983 and the Kangaroos in 17 Tests from 1985 to 1990.
A superb centre who possessed an array of natural talents and established a host of point scoring records at Test level. Originally from Canberra, O'Connor toured with the Australian Rugby Union Schoolboys in 1977. His club rugby career was with the Canberra Royals Club, then Teachers Queensland.
O'Connor switched to Rugby League signing with St George in 1983. He made his State of Origin debut two years later. He is remembered in State of Origin folklore for a sideline conversion in teeming rain after the final siren to win the 2nd game of the 1991 series. Many of his international rugby league appearances were as a winger, such was the depth of the three-quarter talent available to the Australian selectors during his era. .
At the end of the 1992 season, still on top and producing his best as captain of Manly, O'Connor announced his retirement.
Rugby Union
- 1979-80 Royals
- 1979-82 Australia 13 Tests
- 1981-82 Teachers North, QLD
Rugby League
- 1983-1986 St. George 71 Games
- 1985-90 Australia 17 Tests
- 1986-91 NSW 19 Games
- 1987-92 Manly 116 Games
After retirement as a player O'Connor had administrative roles with both the Australian Rugby League and then the Australian Rugby Union. He was the ARU's Talent Identification Coordinator for a number of years.In 2006 O'Connor was appointed as a Wallaby Selector filling the independent role on the selection panel, along with Head Coach John Connolly and Attack Coach Scott Johnson.
