James O'Connor has earned a surprise recall to Australia's squad for their upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions.

O'Connor, who featured against the Lions back in 2013, has not played for the Wallabies since 2022.

However, the 35-year-old has been named in Joe Schmidt's 36-man squad.

O'Connor has been selected ahead of Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale, after Australia's first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio sustained an injury.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, it is very surreal," O'Connor said.

"I feel like I've been building towards this for quite a while in my role for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, tailoring it in a way for a possible opportunity to play in the Lions series.

"Even after Noah's injury, I still didn't think I'd made it so to be here right now and be given the opportunity with this group of men, I am bloody excited."

O'Connor, who started only one Super Rugby game for the Crusaders this season, could now join a select group. Having started in all three Tests against the Lions 12 years ago, he could join George Smith (2001 and 2013) as the only Australian to take on the touring team in two successive campaigns.

James Slipper could also achieve that feat in this series, which starts on July 19 in Brisbane.

Your 36 Wallabies preparing for the British & Irish Lions Test series.#Wallabies #LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/1xVnhtL1EM

— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 11, 2025

"Of course I want the starting spot [in the Lions series]," O'Connor said.

"Maybe the other guys have the first bite at the cherry as they were in the first squad. I've said to Joe in the past, if there is anything I can do to help with [the] knowledge I can share.

"A Lions series is bigger than a World Cup. I didn't take it for granted in 2013, I just wasn't aware of it.

"You usually get one shot at it so you want your aim to be true."

Australia squad in full

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, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.