Olly Cracknell’s journey to making his debut for Wales is nothing short of inspiring! Last Sunday, he proudly pulled on the Welsh jersey as he faced Argentina, a moment years in the making and not without its share of challenges. Ever since he was young, Olly has been motivated by those iconic, goosebump-inducing videos from the Six Nations, boosting his drive to be part of something greater.
Despite facing hurdles, including setbacks at club levels and personal challenges, Olly’s resolve to succeed never wavered—a testament to the resilience he inherited from his parents. His mother, a persistent force in her professional field, instilled in him the art of perseverance. And although his father passed away last year, his stoic and brave battle with a terminal illness left an indelible mark on Olly’s character.
His career has seen some ups and downs, like missing out on the Ospreys’ squad or seeing London Irish fold. Yet, his move to Leicester Tigers sparked a revival, leading to his national cap—a dream come true. Having once been a part of the Wales squad only to miss out on playing, his dedication never diminished. From gruelling visa applications to mastering the fundamentals on the pitch, Olly turned every difficulty into a stepping stone.
Olly’s about more than flashy plays; he’s a grafter who embodies the fundamentals and physicality of rugby. Embracing his role as a reliable team player, he’s learned that providing stability in the game is just as valuable as scoring tries.
His story reminds us all that resilience and dedication pay off in the end. Through every trial, Wales’ newest star kept pushing forward, proving that the journey means as much as the destination. Keep an eye on Olly Cracknell—this debut is just the beginning! 🏉🔥 #WalesRugby #RugbyFamily #DreamBig