YOUNG GUNS
BEN DONNELL LONDON IRISH BACK ROW
If London Irish youngster Ben Donnell could be the perfect back rower, it would involve combining the aggression and allround ability of England’s Courtney Lawes with the passion and energy of Australia’s dynamic and inspirational captain, Michael Hooper.
Donnell, 18, who began playing rugby at Winchester RFC at the age of four but was a handy centre-back at football before concentrating on the oval-ball game, has grown up admiring the multicapped duo, who he cites among the players he most looks up to.
Donnell, currently on loan with National One outfit Esher, said: “I love watching Courtney Lawes play. His ability to play second row and back row enables him to have a huge impact on the game.
“He can adapt between the two during a match and I quite like his aggression. But that’s not all he’s got; he’s got a fantastic allround game, is hugely experienced at club and international level and he’s a massive influence around the lineout as well.
“I also watch a lot of Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship and I’m a big fan of Michael Hooper as well. I know he’s not in my No.6 position but he’s just everywhere on a pitch and involved in all the action. If I could be a hybrid of those two, I’d be pretty happy.”
At 6ft 6ins, Donnell possesses similar physical attributes to Lawes.
He is working hard on his aggression levels now, hence his move to Esher for a taste of thud and blunder at the behest of his mentor-in-chief, exLondon Irish blindside flanker and current academy coach, Declan Danaher.
Donnell explained: “Declan’s a legend at Irish and he and (former rugby director) Nick Kennedy were pretty influential in picking me up from Hampshire U16s and teaching me.
“Declan knows how to motivate you and when to put an arm around me to keep getting the best out of me and he’s helped to bring a bit more aggression into my game.
“That’s something I’m working hard on and with Irish being out of the A-League, I’m currently dual-registered at Esher where I’m working with Ricky Nebbett and Tom Williams.
“It’s not too structured, they allow you to play and I needed to play against guys in men’s rugby who are a lot bigger than me to test my physical capabilities. You don’t really get that in U18s rugby but in National One all the guys I’m playing against now are huge.”
Having represented England U18s last season, Donnell is keen to push on again.
He added: “I enjoyed England U18s last season. Our results didn’t match the performances at times but it was a fantastic experience and I’m keen to reach the next level.
“Getting into the U20s would be good but I’ve got to go out and earn that opportunity first. Hopefully I can play well for Esher and then get some opportunities at Irish.
“At the moment they’re focussed on winning their first few Championship matches, but when the Championship Cup comes around there might be some chances.”