The new Otago captain was born and bred in the province's heartland. His dad, uncle and cousin played for the province.
He was a regular at Carisbrook when growing up.
And he now sells one of the region's most famous products.
When he was asked to be Otago captain, it seemed like a logical fit.
''It means everything to me to play for Otago. This is the team as a young fella you aspire to represent. They were your idols,'' O'Connell said.
''I remember being put on my dad's shoulders in the Neville St stand and watching Jeff Wilson score a try in the corner. I remember going to the final in 1998.
''It hasn't really sunk in yet, to be honest. It is still quite surreal.
"I think come Saturday I will be dealing with a few emotions and it will probably sink in. I am taking it one step at a time and really looking forward to Saturday.
''I did not think they were looking at me as captain. It was at a Highlanders training.
"I got the tap on the shoulder from Browny and Yards [coaches Tony Brown and Phil Young]. I thought I was going to the principal's office.''
It has been a long journey to lead the Otago side for the Middlemarch-born and raised O'Connell.
Bumps along the way have helped shape him and given him a somewhat different perspective on life than most rugby players at this level.
''In 2009, I came back from overseas. It was not a great year for the team and myself.
"The last game of the year and we were playing Counties at Carisbrook. I hadn't got a cap yet.
''There was 10 minutes to go and I was waiting to get on. Kees Meeuws went down with an injury and I went on.
"So I made my debut for Otago at prop. We packed down a scrum - golden oldies, though.
''I battled away in 2010. That was a tough year for the team and myself. I decided I had to find something else to focus on.
''Career-wise, that was time to focus on something else. Luckily a job came around, working for Lion Nathan and Speight's, and that was the best thing which could have happened to me.''
The big No 8 sells Speight's in the central business district and to the student bars in Dunedin and is still working fulltime throughout the season.
''I'm working for a company with a great environment. But it is not just that.
"I'm having something other than rugby to focus on. I aspire to develop my career with the company as well.
''I aspire to be the best I possibly can as a rugby player. If that leads to be a professional career then so be it, that will be great.
"But for me, it is not the be all and end all. By all means I will give everything and see what happens from there.''
Otago is into its third year under Brown and Young and one gets the feeling this is the time to push to the next level.
O'Connell, who spent seven weeks training with the Highlanders this season, sees it as a season to take a step forward.
''The team and coaches and everyone involved has done a great job to get to where we are over the past few years.
"I think we all agree we are poised to make that next step. Hopefully, this is the year we can do it.''
Otago v North Harbour
FSB, today, 2.35pm
Otago: Trent Renata, Jayden Spence, Michael Collins, Tei Walden, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Hayden Parker, Josh Renton, Charlie O'Connell (captain), James Lentjes, Lee Allan, Tom Franklin, Joe Latta, Hisa Sasagi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Donald Brighouse, Jackson Hemopo, TJ Ioane, Nick Ealey, Peter Breen, Marshall Suckling.
North Harbour: Luke Devcich, David Raikuna, Nafi Tuitavake, Niko Ratumaitavuki, Tevita Li, Matt McGahan, Bryn Hall (captain), Jim Tuitaviti, Mario Ozich, Jordan Manihera, Hayden Triggs, Brandon Nansen, Nic Mayhew, James Parsons, Greg Pleasants-Tate. Reserves: Ray Niuia, Franck Fricconet, Michael Farmer, Zak Judge, David Bason, Daniel Halangahu, Dennis Pili-Gaitau.
Otago in 2014
Three key players
1)Hayden Parker
Is now comfortable at this level and will be the side's goal-kicker. Kicking the goals is vital at this level - in fact, it is vital at any level - and Parker has the ability to do this. There are plenty of penalties handed out early on in the ITM Cup so kicking the three-pointers can decide games.
2) Michael Collins
An important season for the Taieri midfielder, who struck some head winds last year. Has worked hard on his game and will be looking to secure his spot in what is already a crowded midfield.
3)TJ Ioane
After a dashing 2013, Ioane failed to fire much of a shot with the Highlanders, weighed down by niggly injuries. Looks to have lost some weight. Needs to get rid of an ankle complaint but on his game, his momentum and ability to knock guys over is a huge asset.
Three questions
1 Plenty of players have left Otago from last year, but will the biggest loss be injured prop Craig Miller?
2 Will Liam Coltman end up playing prop?
3 Which is the more important game: the Ranfurly Shield challenge, or the match seven days later, against neighbour Southland?
Glass half-full
Otago has been right in contention in the championship in the past two years and this should be third time lucky. It has some players keen to make an impact, a solid core that has been around long enough, and a gritty tight five which will do the job.
Glass half-empty
Some key players have left and the replacements are not as good. Too many unknowns in key areas such as halfback and the front row. Hard to see anyone toppling Hawkes Bay.
