National League 2 player set to make England U19s debut tomorrow

Looking at the squad, one name in particular stands out: Rory O’Kane.

Unlike the rest of the group, almost all of whom are attached to PREM Rugby academies, aside from Coventry’s Taio Varndell, O’Kane is currently playing his club rugby for Camborne in National League 2 West, the fourth tier of the English game.

He ended up with the Cornish club, who are currently top of their league, after being released by Exeter Chiefs following his time in their pathway system up to U18 level.

Despite his young age, the fly-half is already well travelled, having spent time in Australia playing in the prestigious Shute Shield. Reflecting on his journey so far, O’Kane explained how his move Down Under came about.

"I got told by Chiefs that I wasn't going to be signed, which was obviously tough to hear, pretty frustrating but I straight away looked at all my options and I decided to go to Australia.

"Over the traditional preseason period over here, around the time where you finish your A-Levels, I played a bit of Shute Shield for a team in Sydney called Manly Marlins which was very fun."

While this weekend marks his first appearance for England at any age-grade, he has previously been involved in U18s camps in the past year.

He also toured Japan in 2024 with Truro College, an experience that not only helped shape him as a player but could prove valuable in understanding tomorrow’s opposition.

"We went out there and it was so fun. The vice-captain this weekend for Japan I actually played out there and one of their wingers as well, so I know a few of them.

"We stayed about two weeks in this school in proper rural Japan, and it was a really good experience and I took a lot of that heading into my second year of college."

It is uncommon for a player in an international youth setup to remain long-term at a lower-league club, as many gain experience through loan spells while still contracted to a professional side. O'Kane highlighted the advantages of playing senior men’s rugby at a young age.

"One of the most important things is playing for points every single week, I know a lot of boys will be in and out of these National League teams so it's probably not on their minds where their team is in the league.

"I'd say to anyone in my position, the most important thing right now is just minutes, and consistent minutes as well."

Another key benefit of his time at Camborne is the opportunity to play alongside Josh and Sam Matavesi, who between them have earned 85 caps for Fiji and competed at the highest level of the game.

Speaking about the influence of the Matavesi brothers, O’Kane was full of praise for the impact they have had on his development.

"They're probably two of the most inspirational people I know because what they've been through in the earlier years of their life, those two and Joel as well, and to all make it is so inspirational.

"I'm constantly messaging Josh or sending clips over to him and getting his thoughts on different scenarios that we might come up against in the game. I've messaged him this week and he's told me to try and absorb as much as I can, be first to every drill. He's a really good figure to learn off."