Since starting as the youngest Super Rugby debutant at 17 and the second youngest Wallaby at 18, he has amassed an impressive CV.
He started with the Force in 2008 and played 39 games before joining the Rebels in 2012-13 (21), the Reds in 2015 (13), and again in 2019-24 (57). He spent 2013-14 with London Irish (15), 2014-17 with Toulon (51), and 2017-19 (Sale). Along the way, he played 64 Tests for Australia between 2008-22.
But he is now looking forward to being engaged in a playing and mentoring role with the Crusaders, something he hopes will benefit his playing career and a move into coaching in the longer term.
O'Connor said the most significant transition change he has felt in pre-season training with the Crusaders has been the speed of training.
"It's tasty. I'm picking up my strides and getting used to it, a new attack plan and everything."
The New Zealand-born former Wallaby said he had always hungered to play in a New Zealand Super Rugby team.
"I thought that dream was over, and then it happened so quickly. So once it popped up, I took it."
O'Connor said he and his wife appreciated the way the Crusaders organisation had welcomed them and involved them in activities.
"One of the biggest things I've found is the Crusaders are not like other teams I have been part of where we've shied away from talking about winning, but that's not the case here.
"It's like we know the standard that's been set. That's awesome for me to come in because that's the sort of the way I operate. I want to win, I want to compete."
His job is to come in and play rugby. Although he has played the game for a while and has absorbed some wisdom during that time, he believes there is always something to be learned, and that has continued in Christchurch.
"The experience for me was to come in and settle and see what it's all about here, and then where I can help."
He also has the chance to learn about the Crusaders' methods, something they were well aware of in Australia, while also looking to his future, where he would like to get into coaching.
"My No1 intention is coming here and playing, and playing the best footy I've ever played because I do have other goals as well in rugby. And the quality of players and coaches that are in Christchurch – I don't think there's anywhere like it in the world."
It is a two-way process for the team and him. He is absorbing a new attack plan and a slightly different structure.
"I'm learning the balance of holding my feet, what parts of the field we're going to be able to attack from and where the defence is going to be vulnerable. We're putting in a lot of hours on the field."
"There's still more footy in me and there's a level I haven't quite achieved yet, hence coming here to compete for a spot in the most successful Super team."
Working with the other five-eighths is another role, and he has been impressed with Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana.
"There's plenty of talent here. I've made it very clear I want that 10 jersey, and I want us all to compete for it and bring the best out of each other. I have watched them both in different areas and it's going to be hard to get into this 23."
Another new Crusader, halfback Kyle Preston, said, "The amount of knowledge he [O'Connor] has is going to be beneficial not only for me but the group as well."
Preston, from Wellington, said moving south was not an issue, and he felt a change of scenery would be good for him.
He enjoyed being part of Wellington's winning effort in the NPC and was looking to use that confidence boost to help develop and grow in Super Rugby with the Crusaders.
"I'm loving every moment of it. Even though it's only been a couple of weeks, you get comfortable pretty quickly."
