But while there will be concern from some on how they replace such a powerful figure both on and off the pitch, O'Connor claims the likes of 19-year-old full-back Robbie Henshaw are ready to step up to the plate.
"The difference now is that we have brought through players who are pretty talented, we have invested in the academy and those lads like Robbie Henshaw are able to play football and have a fantastic array of skills," O'Connor told the Irish Independent.
"We've improved, we got players in, we've got more money to invest. We're building slowly and in another two or three years maybe we'll be a top-four or six team."
The game against the Warriors will also see Connacht wavegoodbye to coach Eric Elwood and hooker Adrian Flavin.
But reflecting on his own career, O'Connor insists he gave his all to the Connacht cause.
He added: "I did the best I could with the cards I was dealt. Athletically, I have lost a bit because of injury but I know guys who have quit through injury.
"I had plenty of career-threatening injuries where I could have got a pay-out and not played this game. I got the best out of myself in the circumstances I had. I can truly say that - I don't know if everyone else can."
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