The Australian youngster was in fine form at the HSBC Sydney Sevens over the weekend notching up some impressively big numbers across the tournament. O’Donnell was one of the key factors in Australia’s success with outstanding contributions in attack and defence. 

The pacey back was consistently brilliant across all three days, leading the DHL Performance Tracker on day two and three before finishing with an incredible total of 58 points. That consistency of performance is what the DHL Impact Player award is all about.

Rob Vickerman, sevens series commentator and DHL Rugby Ambassador, was very impressed by the Australian.

“Ben O’Donnell typified the performance of this young, talented Australian squad. They were relentless in their attack and committed in defence," he said.

It is evident that players wouldn't choose to go one on one with O’Donnell and at times, even if you have two on him it might not be enough. His ability to come off two feet and his strong fend make him a nightmare to defend. This is evident in his 10 line breaks and six tries for the Sydney tournament.

However, what set him apart from every other player last weekend was his hunger in everything he did. He carried a monster 27 times, made 18 tackles and offloaded the ball three times. He is a workhorse but a fancy one, that scores lots of tries.

After three rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2018, Fiji's Amenoni Nasilasila and South Africa's Seabelo Senatla share the lead in the DHL Performance Tracker with 130 points, followed by Australia's Ben O'Donnell (123), Canada's Harry Jones (121) and Justin Douglas (117).