Norths first grade player Henry O’Donnell is off to the World Rugby U20 Cup with the Junior Wallabies this month. The Mosman local says he just wants to win it.
Ask Henry O’Donnell his goal for this year’s under-20 Rugby World Cup, and he doesn’t beat around the bush or reach for a cliché.
“To win it – that’s what we’re there for,” he declares.
You can put such confidence down to the exuberance of youth or brashness, but O’Donnell has never been any different.
Right from when he first laced on a boot as a six-year-old for Mosman juniors, the kid with the speed and game nous to match has been fixated on making it in rugby.
While some kids cried at being tackled or stared into space dreaming about the post-match soft drink and python, Henry just wanted to rip in.
“He was one of those kids who understood and loved his rugby right from the start,” his first juniors coach, Damian Martyr, tells North Shore Living.
“He was really focussed on what he wanted to achieve, and nothing was going to stand in his way.
“There is no Plan B for Henry. This is what he wants to do and has always wanted to do.
“I think that dedication to the sport and knowing what he wants to achieve shows a really strong mindset.
“He has great energy and desire.”
O’Donnell’s commitment to the cause has not wavered for a single moment.
“Dad’s a rugby tragic, so from a young age I was straight into it,” he explains.
“I love the game, I love my teammates and I love the week-to- week nature of it.
“You lose one week, you get a shot at it again next week. The challenges just keep coming.”
That they have.
After emerging from the juniors and starring for the Riverview first XV during his school days, Henry began his club career at Sydney University, while studying there.
Following an injury-plagued season, the 186cm, 96kg centre from Mosman returned home with Shute Shield heavyweights, Northern Suburbs, in 2023.
Norths coach Zak Beer is blown away by the temperament and maturity of a player who only recently exited his teenage years.
“Henry’s got the blend of naturally gifted talents, coupled with this laser-focused determination to continually get better,” Beer says.
“He’s a student of his craft, and is not only constantly asking questions, but also comes to the playing group with new ideas.
“He’s fitted right in with our guys in the top squad at Norths, and is already a big part of our group.
“He likes a laugh and a joke, but has incredibly high standards of himself and others.
“With the way we play at Norths, he’ll should continue to stretch and grow his game and learn off the experienced first graders in and around our group.”
O’Donnell’s season with Norths will be interrupted for a very good reason when he heads to South Africa with the Junior Wallabies for this month’s under-20 World Cup.
The Aussies were beaten finalists in the 2019 tournament, and are aiming to go one better four years later.
Image credit: Clay Cross/SPORTSPICS
“We’ve got a good group of boys returning from last year, and we’ve got our combinations going, so we’re hopeful of doing well,” O’Donnell says.
“It’s been a big few months with a lot of work and sacrifice, but it will all be worth it if we win a world cup.”
We’re not about to back against him.
Watch Henry play at the World Rugby U20 Championship from June 24 to July 14.
By Adam Lucius