The cat-loving Harry Potter fan sprinkling magic on Premiership
Hassell-collins is one of rugby’s eccentrics, but that has not stopped him becoming a breakout star at London Irish
⮞ollie
By his own admission, Ollie Hassell-collins is a “bit out there”. The jewellery-wearing, Harry Potter obsessive who walks his cats is proof that modern-day academies turn out players with personalities as well as talent.
The London Irish winger is proud to wear his heart on his sleeve and is adamant that not hiding his light under a bushel is what allows him to shine on the pitch. “Confidence comes through everything you do,” says Hassell-collins, who has a dozen tattoos across both forearms. “It is that look good, feel good, play good idea. If you are confident in yourself as a personality then you can be confident in your skills and confident going into the game. It makes it easier to express yourself in the game.
“I try to be a bit different and try to be a bit out there. When I broke into the team I secured my spot, I felt I was a big part of the team so I can express myself more. I am massively into Harry Potter. I’ve just bought a house with my girlfriend and we have three cats. I am into tattoos and jewellery. I felt confident in myself to do that in the club. Being there a long time and knowing a lot of the guys since I first came through. My girlfriend as well pushes me to do a lot.”
Of the three cats – Betsy, Albus and Marmalade – it is the latter who is reluctantly volunteered for a photoshoot breaking all number of cardinal rules for our photographer. Back inside and with Marmalade placated by a treat, Hassell-collins talks us through his tattoos and rings as well as his Harry Potter fandom. Fortunately the photographer has departed by the time he reveals he has a few wands in the house, although he stresses that he has never dabbled in cosplay (dressing up as characters) – “that’s where I draw the line”.
Wand or no wand, Hassell-collins has been turning enough heads in the Premiership this season as he prepares for today’s London derby against Harlequins. The 22-year-old ranks second in the league for metres gained
(714) and defenders beaten (28), both behind today’s opponent Tyrone Green.
At 6ft 4in and 15st
7lb and with pace to burn, Hassell-collins has all the makings to be a top-class wing. In the summer he was invited into an England training camp but did not make his debut.
The difference in the past 12 months is that Hassell-collins has gained the confidence to make the most of those attributes thanks to the London Irish coaching staff of Declan Kidney, Les Kiss and Brad Davis. “Before they came in, I was stood out on the wing and didn’t get involved too much,” Hassell-collins says. “They have put a massive emphasis on getting me off the wing, working hard off the ball so I can get as many touches as possible. They have improved my skills massively. I have got the licence from the coaches to go get the ball and show what I can do. I am working harder with Paddy [Jackson] and the half-backs to get on the ball and beat defenders. Do what I do basically.” Hassell-collins’s eccentricities do not stand out in a London Irish league of nations changing room where Argentines, South Africans, Australians and Irish rub shoulders with homegrown products. Sean O’brien, the former Lions flanker, Jack Cooke and Matt Williams would all rival Hassell-collins in the peculiarities stakes. According to Hassell-collins, O’brien has the worst chat – “I think only the other Irish lads find him funny, it just washes over the rest of us”. This cosmopolitan mix has been harnessed as a strength under Kidney.
“We’re all allowed to be ourselves,” Hassell-collins says. “We have created an environment where we all feel comfortable expressing ourselves. It’s a really good mix and a lot of different perspectives. You have experience and young guys. You have guys like Gus Creevy, who has been to World Cups and captained Argentina. He brings a passionate feel and makes everyone want to play for each other. Then you have Sean driving standards in training.”
Irish’s stew of nationalities and personalities are just a fraction away from clicking into a top-six side or better. They are the league’s third highest scorers and have drawn three of their eight matches so far this season. Having come away from Exeter and Saracens unbeaten, the chance to knock London rivals Harlequins off their perch represents a tantalising opportunity for Kidney’s team to pull off a statement victory against the champions.
“We know there’s going to be a good crowd, we know what they are going to bring, but we have plans in place to nullify what they do,” Hassell-collins says. “We know we can do it. We have shown that at Exeter and Saracens. But consistency is the key thing. We can’t get bored of consistency. We have the talent to be a top-four side. I believe that. We just have to prove it.”