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O’Connor in 2011, photo by Michelle Cop /www.bigstockphoto.com/
Birth Name: James David O’Connor
Place of Birth: Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Date of Birth: 5 July, 1990
Ethnicity: Irish, English, possibly other
James O’Connor is an Australian professional rugby union footballer. A fly-half, centre, wing, and fullback, he plays for Leicester Tigers, and the Australia national team. He was previously with London Irish, Toulon, and Sale Sharks, as well as Western Force, Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Reds, and Crusaders in super rugby. He coached Anglican Church Grammar School. He has been labelled “the Justin Bieber of Australian rugby.”
James is the son of parents from New Zealand. His maternal grandparents are from South Africa. This meant that he was eligible for all three major Southern Hemisphere rugby nations.
James’ paternal grandfather was Maurice Edward Odlin “Lofty” O’Connor (the son of Joseph O’Connor and Alice Kathleen Odlin). Maurice was a WWII veteran, from Wellington, New Zealand. Alice was the daughter of George Edward Odlin, who was born in Yorkshire, England; and of Catherine O’Sullivan.
James’ paternal grandmother was named Elaine.
Sources: https://www.instagram.com
Information about James’ paternal grandfather, Maurice Edward Odlin “Lofty” O’Connor – http://www.stuff.co.nz http://www.aucklandmuseum.com
Obituaries of James’ paternal grandfather, Maurice Edward Odlin “Lofty” O’Connor – http://notices.nzherald.co.nz https://www.findagrave.com