Llandovery-born Harri Doel’s extraordinary talent on the rugby pitch won him a sporting scholarship at the University, where he is studying mathematics. His flair for the sport means he could be destined to play at the top tier of Welsh rugby.
Harri has been playing for his local team the ‘Llandovery Drovers’ since he was a schoolboy and he is now moving into his fifth consecutive year in the Scarlets Academy, starting a number of games for the A-team and selected for the U20s Six Nations squad for Wales.
Harri says: “I just enjoy playing rugby, plain and simple. I’ve played it since I was seven – my earliest memory in sport was playing tag rugby on the pitch at the Scarlets’ Stradey Park stadium – I haven’t looked back since.
The Swansea University sports scholarship has certainly helped me. I’m involved in training every day with the Scarlets and in lectures for the best part of 17 hours a week. The scholarship supports me with work and training and ensures I can manage both effectively. The facilities available to me on both campuses make things much easier.”
Harri has been part of several triumphant league games for the University team and has been involved in the legendary annual Welsh Varsity.
Harri says rugby has always played a part in his life, with close family members sharing his passion for the sport, and he admits that rugby helps him mentally, encouraging focus and keeping him motivated.
Harri’s talent has meant he has been involved 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 beat rivals England. While having been selected for a few of Wales U19s fixtures, Harri was in the starting line up for a victory over Japan.
Harri’s talent points towards a hugely promising career in Welsh rugby and we are privileged to support him on his journey as a Swansea University scholar.
