Super Rugby Pacific: Veteran James O’Connor targets mid-May return from injury

Veteran fly-half James O’Connor is set to return from injury around the middle of May giving him enough time to be fully match fit for England’s tour to Australia.

O’Connor has been sidelined with a knee injury and has targeted the clash with the Blues on May 14 for his return in time for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.

The 31-year-old says he is back in semi-contact training and the rehabilitation has gone ahead of schedule thus far.

“The knee’s good – it’s tracking along nicely and I jumped out of the brace yesterday to do some tracking and drilling,” O’Connor said to AAP.

“I don’t want to speak too early but we’re possibly ahead of schedule.

“I’d love to be a part of the Blues (game) but otherwise Moana (Pasifika) the week after.”

O’Connor has been an integral part of the Reds set up this season and his side will be hoping his return comes sooner than ever as would Australian coach Dave Rennie with the three-match Test series against England on the horizon.

“Last year’s Spring tour, they did a job on us so we want to rectify that,” O’Connor said.

“It’ll be awesome to have them here.”

Their first Test will be played at Suncorp Stadium where the Wallabies boast a hugely impressive record winning their last 10 games there.

“This is a fortress for Australian rugby,” O’Connor said.

“When we come together with the Wallabies, this is definitely our favourite stadium to play at.”

READ MORE: Trans-Tasman rivalry continues and a gripping full-back battle