‘Pushing the limits of sporting excellence’
A humble rugby enthusiast from the quiet Welsh town of Llandovery, whose presence on the pitch is far from quiet.
From an early age, Harri Doel’s flare for the nation's favourite game has been well recognised. This headstrong Maths undergraduate is making more calculated moves in his career progression toward the top tier of Welsh rugby. Harri has been playing for his local team the ‘Llandovery Drovers’ since he was a young lad, fast forward to present day and Harri is moving into his 5th consecutive year in the Scarlets Academy, starting a number of games for the A-team and was selected for the U20s Six Nations squad for Wales.
“I just enjoy playing rugby, plain and simple. I played it since I was 7 years of age and haven’t looked back.”
Having been recognised as a top sporting talent, Harri is a recipient of one of Swansea University’s sports scholarships. “It’s certainly helped me, being involved in training every day with Scarlets and being in lectures for the best part of 17hrs a week. The scholarship supports me with work, training and ensures I can work effectively. The facilities available to me on both campuses make the process feel much easier”.
Having been part of several triumphant league games for the University team, along with his involvement at the annual battle of the Universities derby day ‘Varsity’, Harri’s work ethic both on and off the pitch is a representation of his passion for the game and sacrifices student athletes such as Harri made to ensure they maintain at the top of their game.
With mental health taking an ever-increasing presence in our society, Harri reflects on the importance of sport in his life, it’s motivational influence and encouragement of focus. The drive is not the only testament of the love of the sport but also the presence of rugby in Harri’s immediate family members.
When asked about his earliest memory in sports, it dates back to playing tag rugby on the pitch at Scarlets stadium ‘Stradey Park’ when he was just a young boy. His skill and development in rugby have encouraged his involvement in many great fixtures for the Wales 18s squad, including a trip to South Africa where Wales narrowly missed out on a win against the springboks but beating rivals England, which is what it’s all about. While having been selected for a few of Wales U19s fixtures, Harri was in the starting line up for a victory over Japan.
Harri looks ahead to what will undoubtedly be a promising career in Welsh rugby and we are privileged to support him on his journey as a Swansea University scholar.