The ex-Queensland Reds playmaker knocked back a contract to remain at Ballymore next season, where injuries had relegated him to a mentoring role in 2024.
The Crusaders announced on Friday he had signed for 2025 to play under former NSW Waratahs coach Rob Penney.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” O’Connor said in a statement.
“My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation so to experience it firsthand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”
The 14-time champions have struggled to overcome the loss of superstar Richie Mo’unga, who is playing in Japan, missing the finals this season.
Penney hoped O’Connor could use his experience to bolster their playmaking stocks, with youngsters Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana also in the battle to wear the No.10 jersey.
Their other option, Fergus Burke, has moved to Saracens in England.
“When we heard he was available we reached out as we thought we could offer him something new and challenging,” Penney said.
“We have two exciting and talented 10s in Rivez and Taha, and James brings a level of maturity that we believe will complement them exceptionally well.
“Having played internationally and in a range of overseas competitions, we’re looking forward to what James can bring to our environment from his 17 seasons of professional football.
“He’s also a competitor and ambitious, which will ensure there is weekly competition for the 10 jersey.”
O’Connor has been holidaying in New Zealand, the birthplace of his parents, and had discussions with the Chiefs about a potential move shot down by Rugby Australia three years ago.
A veteran of 63 Tests and 127 Super Rugby games across three clubs after making his debut in 2008, O’Connor also coached schoolboy rugby in Queensland last season.
He also has played in England for Sale and London Irish and in France for Toulon.
Former Wallaby Digby Ioane played three games for the Crusaders in 2017 while a smattering of Australian hopefuls have enjoyed stints in New Zealand’s second-tier National Provincial Championship to gain experience.
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