Former Wallabies star James O'Connor signs for Crusaders in Super Rugby

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Former Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor has signed to play for Christchurch-based Super Rugby team the Crusaders on a one-year contract.

The Crusaders on Friday confirmed the signing of O'Connor who has played 64 tests for Australia.

O'Connor also brings a wealth of Super Rugby experience, having played 127 matches for the Queensland Reds, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels. He also has played in England for Sale and London Irish and in France for Toulon.

O'Connor provides the Crusaders with an extra option at flyhalf in the absence of All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo'unga who currently is in Japan.

“My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation. So to experience it first hand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to," O'Connor said in a statement released by the Crusaders.

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said O'Connor would provide competition in the flyhalf role along with Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara.

“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."

The Crusaders finished ninth in this year's Super Rugby competition after winning the title in the previous seven seasons.

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

FILE - Australia's James O'Connor, right, is tackled by Argentina's Emiliano Boffelli, during their Rugby Championship match at the Bicentenario stadium in San Juan, Argentina, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Former Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor has signed to play for Christchurch-based Super Rugby team the Crusaders on a one-year contract. The Crusaders on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 confirmed the signing of O'Connor who has played 64 tests for Australia.(AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s motorcade took a different route than usual to the airport as he was departing Florida on Sunday due to a “suspicious object,” according to the White House.

The object, which the White House did not describe, was discovered during security sweeps in advance of Trump’s arrival at Palm Beach International Airport.

“A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Sunday.

The president, when asked about the package by reporters, said, “I know nothing about it.”

Trump left his Palm Beach, Florida, club, Mar-a-Lago, around 6:20 p.m. for the roughly 10-minute drive to the airport, but took a circular route around the city to get there.

During the drive, police officers on motorcycles created a moving blockade for the motorcade, at one point almost colliding with the vans that accompanied Trump.

Air Force One was parked on the opposite side of the airport from where it is usually located and the lights outside the plane were turned off.

Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for U.S. Secret Service, said the secondary route was taken just as a precaution and that “that is standard protocol.”

President Donald Trump departs Trump International Golf Club in the presidential limousine, known as The Beast, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)