Teenage sensation James ‘Rabbit’ O’Connor recently became the second youngest capped Wallaby in history, hitting the field against Italy at the tender age of 18.  As part of his obligations in being the youngest on tour, Rabbit was given the task of looking after team mascot ‘Wally’, which later proved to be his most difficult task of the tour. Omar caught up with Rabbit at the completion of the recent Spring Tour to Hong Kong and Europe.

So firstly, tell us about Wally and why you had so much trouble looking after a stuffed toy?

From the start of the tour, it became difficult to look after him because the boys were constantly stealing him, trying to hijack him and leaving me ransom notes.  It seemed to be a bit of fun for them, but for me it just became annoying.  At the start of the tour, I only had him for about two days a week, but by the end I’d wised up by putting him in the hotel safe and taking him out only when needed.

Where’s Wally now?  Rumour has it you were displaying him in your front window at home?

For the first few days I left him in the front window of Quadey’s (Quade Cooper) house, but he is now safely tucked away in a secret place in my house.

What was your favourite country and why?

I enjoyed Wales as we were close to the city of Cardiff and it was easy to get around and do some shopping and see the different sights.  I would have to say though, that my favourite experience was Italy as it was so culturally different. I got some great photos in Venice which I showed to my parents and now they desperately want to go.

How did you feel running out for your first cap against Italy?

My heart was pumping like mad, and then once I got on the field the adrenalin kicked in.  I didn’t feel like I was tired and felt that I could run all day.  I think I ended up getting 9 or 10 minutes on the field against Italy.

You seem to be very versatile; what is your preferred position?

At the moment I like playing 12 (inside centre).  I played at fullback against the Barbarians, but to be honest I like being closer to the action in both attack and defence.  In order, I’d choose 12 (inside centre), then 10 (stand-off), then 15 (fullback).

Who did you room with on tour?

I was with Lote (Lote Tuqiri) twice, Crossy (Ryan Cross) once and Coopy (Adam Ashley-Cooper) once.  It was a good experience rooming with each of them.

Who were the funniest guys on tour and why?

Coopy always made me laugh with some interesting one liners and Tucky (Matt Dunning) also has a very raw sense of humour.  We had a Kangaroo Court (mock court session) where everybody had to turn up dressed as another player.  Coopy was drawn to come as Lote and he absolutely ripped into him with some hilarious Lote imitations. I got to dress up as Bam Bam (Dave Pocock) who is about three times my size.

And who got to dress up as you?

Drew Mitchell got to dress as me, which virtually meant he just had to arrive as himself.  I don’t think he had to go to too much effort.

What are your plans over the Christmas period?

I’ve got some family heading over from New Zealand, and then I’ll be heading up to Noosa with some mates where we have an apartment for New Years. I think I’ll just be enjoying the rest.

Well done on the recent Spring Tour mate; enjoy the break!