James O'Connor has looked to tie down his future at the Queensland Reds for 2024 and beyond after signing a new deal.
O'Connor inked a one-year extension with the club on Wednesday, with the 32-year-old looking to add to his 62 caps with the Reds.
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Included in the deal is the opportunity for the 64-cap Wallaby to mentor the next generation of Queensland playmakers, ramping up his involvement within the elite pathways.
O'Connor spent the entirety of 2022 at flyhalf before shifting to inside centre this year. It allowed young guns Tom Lynagh and Lawson Creighton, the last two Reds' Rookies of the Year, to step up and guide them to the finals.
They also have Harry McLaughlin-Phillips waiting in the wings, who will likely start at ten for the Junior Wallabies in 2024 after a strong U20 World Championship campaign.
"I feel very privileged to be staying in Queensland. This is my home, my team and an opportunity to continue playing with a group of men I have a lot of love and respect for," O'Connor said in a statement.
"I feel there is so much this group can achieve and I believe with our new world class facility and under a coaching staff headed by Les, we can really find our next gear.
"This contract also allows me to deliver on one of the main reasons I came back to Australia - to help develop the next generation of Rugby talent here at the Reds and also through coaching the junior pathways, which has been a passion of mine for some time."
Reports suggested O'Connor would link up with the Junior Wallabies, although RA officials have confirmed nothing formal is in place as of yet, likely serving as a mentor for the junior pathways
It's the first major re-signing under Les Kiss, keeping vital experience in Queensland as he builds his roster for the future.
"It's been great to watch James' return to the Reds from afar over the last few years," Kiss added.
"His leadership and experience are obviously an important aspect of the current squad, and the lessons he can pass on to our up-and-coming playmakers will be pivotal in the coming years.
"I'm looking forward to working with him."
