With a host of All Blacks already committed to the Dunedin-based Highlanders for 2013, Sevens sensation Declan O’Donnell adds further depth to a squad which is shaping as one of the most exciting ahead of next year’s Super XV.
A result of Hamilton Boys’ High School’s production line of quality rugby players, O’Donnell was first discovered by New Zealand Sevens guru Gordon Tietjens playing in a local tournament in the North Island. Before long he was representing New Zealand on the IRB Sevens circuit, making his debut in Dubai in 2010.
He shot to fame with a stunning display on home territory at the Wellington Sevens, when his three-try haul in the final against England sealed another trophy for the high-flying Kiwis, and he went on to finish as joint top try-scorer at the conclusion of the 2010/11 circuit.
After breaking away from sevens and committing to 15-aside rugby, O’Donnell was rewarded with selection in the Chiefs squad ahead of their title-winning campaign this year, but the home-grown outside back featured only once for the Hamilton-based side, coming off the bench in the second game of the season for Dave Rennie’s side.
Undeterred, he is adamant that the full version of the game is where his future lies, and a solid season for the Waikato ITM Squad caught Highlanders’ coach Jamie Joseph’s eye. O’Donnell will be surrounded by experience in a Highlanders backline which boasts All Blacks Aaron Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Tamati Ellison and Ben Smith, and his electrifying pace, agility and eye for the try-line could provide Joseph with the finishing touch he needs to catapult the Highlanders in to Super XV title contention.