Andy Farrell Told Conán O’Donnell This Was the Shortest Career in International History
Conán O’Donnell lasted roughly eight years across the Ireland Under-20s, Connacht, the Sunwolves, Highlanders, and Toronto Arrows. When handed an unlikely chance to join up with Ireland on tour in New Zealand, he was only in the door for 45 minutes.
Michael Bent, the former Leinster and Ireland prop, earned one last appearance in green during the victorious tour of New Zealand in 2022. A crisis of availability at front row left the semi-retired former international as one of the only options left available to Andy Farrell. During Ireland’s second midweek fixture against the Maori All Blacks, Bent featured as a five-minute substitute from the bench. When he returned to the changing rooms, Bent was mobbed by team-mates.
A video of the moment was posted online and O’Donnell’s father sent it on. He was sick. It could have been him.
How a Sligo Teaching Assistant Got a Text From David Nucifora
In 2021, O’Donnell contemplated going home to Ireland. Instead, he signed another contract to stay in New Zealand on the off chance anything would happen during the tour.
There's only one Michael Bent! 😍#TeamOfUs | #NZTour2022
Jeremy Loughman sustained a concussion and Cian Healy suffered a severe ankle injury during the tour’s opening match against the Maori All Blacks. David Nucifora caught wind of a Sligo lad with Super Rugby experience still in the country. Willie Ruane, the Connacht CEO, passed on a phone number.
O’Donnell was working as a teaching assistant between the Super Rugby and Mitre 10 seasons. On lunch break, he looked at his phone and saw a text from Nucifora asking him to come down to Auckland to be 24th man and do the warm-up.
“I was like Billy Maddison in the corner of the class playing Lego with these little kids,” O’Donnell said. “On lunch break I looked at the phone and I had a text from David Nucifora.”
Why a Broken Cheekbone Ended the 45-Minute Ireland Stint
The dream ended abruptly when O’Donnell disclosed his medical situation. Ten days previously, he broke his cheekbone in three places in a club game. O’Donnell originally told Ireland’s staff that the injury happened a month before. Eventually, someone at Northland got in touch with the Ireland medical staff to tell them the truth.
Medical clearance for O’Donnell was entirely out of the question for holding tackle bags, not to mention traveling to the venue as the backup prop. His sinus was also damaged, meaning heavy breathing through his nose could further fracture the bone. Northland’s S&C coach, who was his housemate, warned him about risking his contract.
“I thought it was my choice,” O’Donnell explained. “Northland’s S&C coach was my housemate and he said ‘You better think twice about going down and risking your contract with an injury; it could get ripped up.’”
Frequent Flyer Miles and Cancelled Super Rugby Matches in Argentina and Auckland
This near miss was just one entry into O’Donnell’s collection of close calls. After finishing up with the Highlanders, he was at a concert outside Dunedin and deliberately left his phone at home to avoid spending money while out of contract.
Upon waking up the following morning, he discovered five missed calls alongside a series of messages from former team-mates indicating the Highlanders coach was trying to reach him. Playing in Argentina against the Jaguares, the team needed prop cover. On the way to the airport, O’Donnell stopped at McDonald’s for 20 nuggets, a milkshake, and three triple cheeseburgers. The game in Argentina never happened as Covid restrictions increased globally.
Another time, O’Donnell was named by the Crusaders to play against the Blues in Auckland. Only the city was shut down as Covid measures came in once again, and the game was cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conán O’Donnell’s Rugby Career
How long did Conán O’Donnell play professional rugby?
O’Donnell spent roughly eight years in professional rugby, playing for the Ireland Under-20s, Connacht, the Sunwolves, Highlanders, and Toronto Arrows.
What does Conán O’Donnell do now?
After finishing his professional rugby career and stints as a landscaper, painter, and teaching assistant, O’Donnell now works in tech sales in Dublin.