Young Gun: Conor Dolan – Wellington and Wasps centre

Taking on the best schools in the country on a weekly basis is no mean feat but that is what Conor Dolan and Wellington College have had to get used to with the Daily Mail Trophy.
The Berkshire school and the young centre have risen to the challenge and won the competition, boasting a record of 12 wins in 14 games.
Only Sedbergh managed to beat them (37-34) while NatWest Cup winners Dulwich drew (13-13) but more than their outstanding results, it was Wellington’s attacking endeavour that took the plaudits and Dolan was key in that aspect, showing great skills and pace to either score tries himself or set up his teammates with some sublime offloads.
Now the 18-year-old has set his sight on the Sevens season which starts in the New Year and, more particularly, the Rosslyn Park Open after a dramatic semi-final defeat stopped them in their tracks last year.
“The Daily Mail Trophy was a very challenging competition as you never get to rest,” he told The Rugby Paper. “You always face a very good team week-in, week-out. Being at Wellington also means everyone wants to beat us so it was a great challenge.
“The Millfield game in Oxford was brilliant but the one against Sedbergh, even though we lost, was the best game of rugby I’ve been involved in. We had a great season and it was very enjoyable and fun.
“We have a big Sevens term coming up now. Everyone loves Sevens here at Wellington and there’s a lot of history between Sevens and the school.
“We’re back in the Rosslyn Park Open this year so hopefully we can win that. We lost to John Fisher in the semi-finals last season and it was heartbreaking.
“It was our first time in the Open playing against the best schools and it was pretty exhausting. So we know it’ll be challenging but we’ve learnt from last year and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
Dolan started playing rugby at the age of six in Hemel Hempstead but his career took off in South West London with Richmond and Ealing Trailfinders while attending St Benedict’s School where he gained international honours at U16s level before being offered a scholarship at Wellington.
Harlequins were first to spot the youngster but, with his father having played for Wasps’ in the 1980’s, it did not take long for Dolan to accept the Black and Gold’s offer.
Five years on, he is now the Wasps academy captain and was also in the matchday squad for the LV=Cup game at Sale back in November.
He said: “It was amazing to be involved at Sale. I didn’t get to play but I’ve learnt so much just from being there.
“It was a big eye-opener to see how each player get into the game and I try to do the same now with my games whether it’s for the school or the academy.
“We have some really good players in the team and I’ve supported Wasps since I was a kid so it’s pretty cool to have been asked to be captain.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in the European Championship with England U18s because of the age restriction so I’ll be looking to be involved during the Six Nations against Wales and France and the tour to South Africa this summer.
“I’m going to apply to University but I’m also hoping Wasps will offer me a contract so we’ll see how this pans out over the next few months.”