After an impressive opening three legs in his debut HSBC Sevens World Series, we get to know New Zealand's man of the moment, Declan O'Donnell, a little better ahead of the fourth leg of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Plucked from obscurity by head coach Gordon Tietjens at a low-key Te Rapa club tournament nine weeks ago, Declan O'Donnell's reputation is growing with each tournament he plays.
Having scored 17 tries already in the first three legs on his debut season, he is currently joint top of the leading try scorers for this season along with South Africa's Cecil Afrika and Fiji's Seremaia Burotu.
The red-haired Maori boy with bright red boots was only selected as an emerging player according to Tietjens, but his selection for the opening three tournaments has certainly been justified.
O'Donnell, from Waikato, possesses pace, size, balance and a gravity-defying sidestep, and Tietjens has already marked him down as a star of the future.
That is if he is not already after his hat-trick in the 2011 NZI Sevens final and he is definitely one to watch at the Sam Boyd Stadium when the USA Sevens begins this weekend...
Declan, what was your first rugby experience?
I remember when I was a little kid and getting the oranges at half time of my local club, playing in bare feet. That would probably be my first memory in rugby.
And your first match?
I think that would be whilst I was playing for Boys High. The first match I remember for them would be against Kelston High School one of our big rivals.
When did you know rugby was what you wanted to do?
I realised when I was 13 or 14 when I started playing for my school. I started at a young age and made it through to the first XV and it has just kept going from there and here I am in the New Zealand Sevens team in USA.
What do you like doing outside rugby?
I like to hang with mates, go to the movies, chill out, hire out games for the Playstation3 and just kick back really. Or have some hang time with the partner.
Video - O'Donnell shines at 2011 NZI Sevens
Sporting idols?
Probably Cory Jane. He has been here through the Sevens and gone on to be an All Black. i like his good skills - he is mean.
Best sporting memory?
Last weekend in Wellington, winning that, that would definitely be my best memory so far and hopefully there are more to come.
Of all the players on the World Series, who would you want on your team?
That is a tough one. But I would have to say Uale Mai from Samoa. He really knows the game, is a good play maker and that's it really.
Favourite film and book?
I actually like Twilight, the Mrs got me into that, but I don't really read books if I am honest. If I had to choose one it would be a little kids book, maybe 'Where's Wally?'.
New Zealand head into this weekend's USA Sevens as joint leaders of the HSBC Sevens World Series with England and they face pool matches against Wales, Kenya and Uruguay on the opening day.
