Dec O’Donnell proud to give back to Ireland ahead of World Cup

Workington hooker Dec O’Donnell believes Ireland are a sleeping giant in rugby league, with the sport starting to flourish on the island.

The 23-year-old has won four caps for his beloved Ireland since making his international debut in 2018.

O’Donnell recently attended an Ireland training camp under new head coach Ged Corcoran as the Wolfhounds ramp up their preparations for the World Cup later this year.

“It is always good when you get invited into camp and it is something you don’t take for granted,” a proud O’Donnell told Love Rugby League. “It’s always in my mind that I want to be pulling a green jersey on again.

“It was at Hopwood Hall in Rochdale. I think there were around 26 lads from Super League, Championship and a couple of League 1. When it’s time to submit the squad there’ll be a few names in there that people will be shocked at. When we were getting told we were like ‘wow’.”

SET OF SIX: with Dec O’Donnell featuring Terry Newton and Cumbrian derbies

2021 World Cup qualified and top of the group. Always very proud to be representing @Irelandrl pic.twitter.com/cF48ASNA4e

— Dec O'Donnell (@decod123) November 11, 2019

O’Donnell was born and raised in Wigan but qualifies to represent Ireland through his family, who hail from County Meath.

The Wigan academy product recently made a visit to a primary school in Loughshinny in the Northern County of Dublin. He was taken aback when everyone knew who he was when he walked in.

“I did a bit of work with some of Rugby League Ireland’s sponsors who pump a bit of money in and do a lot of work behind the scenes that probably go a bit unnoticed,” O’Donnell explained.

“I went to a primary school in Loughshinny and spent a few hours with the kids there. It is good to get into