Eleven years ago, a young Harry Westlake captured hearts across the UK and beyond with a moment that would go viral and make him a household name among rugby fans. At just six years old, Harry earned the incredible opportunity to serve as an England mascot ahead of a high-profile match against Italy. Leading up to the game, he dedicated himself to learning the words to the national anthem, rehearsing them with the same determination he would one day bring to the rugby pitch.
On match day, Westlake stood nervously but resolutely in front of England captain Chris Robshaw, gripping his small fist over his heart. With remarkable confidence and pride, he belted out God Save the Queen, leaving a lasting impression not only on those in the stadium but on millions online. Clips of his performance were shared widely across social media, quickly inspiring the hashtag #DoItLikeHarry, a testament to the enthusiasm and passion of the young rugby fan.
Just a few days later, Harry appeared on BBC Breakfast for a light-hearted interview with presenter Naga Munchetty. When asked whether he could one day see himself singing the anthem on the pitch as a player, he smiled shyly, not yet imagining how close that possibility would come years later. His viral moment was more than just a fleeting instance of fame; it marked the beginning of a journey in which rugby and national pride would remain central to his life.
Fast forward to 2026, and the young mascot has grown into a 17-year-old rugby talent who has earned a spot in an England training camp. The camp is designed to prepare for a warm-up match against France next month, as well as the U18 Six Nations Festival in Vichy, France, in April. Reflecting on his early experiences, Westlake shares, “England Rugby was always a massive thing for me growing up. I just loved England and I’m very patriotic. I remember getting into the tunnel and asking Chris Robshaw if he was ready. Then we cracked on, went out, and I think I thought I was going to play!”
Westlake’s journey from mascot to academy player has been shaped by both his skill and his resilience. At the time of his anthem debut, he played for Devonport Services under-7s, already dreaming of representing England as a fly-half or centre. Today, his role has evolved; he is a hard-running back row for Exeter’s academy, blending the energy and drive of players like Ben Earl and Henry Pollock, while drawing inspiration from childhood hero Owen Farrell for mental toughness and leadership on the field.
Westlake’s path has not been without its challenges. He has battled Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects his gut and energy levels. “I’m on medication every eight weeks, which keeps me ticking over and gets me through,” he explains. “There were two, three, four years where it was pretty tough, but we’re getting through it now. It affects energy levels, so a few days before my medication is due, I’ll struggle, and the day after as well.” Despite these hurdles, Harry has maintained focus and determination, keeping rugby at the heart of his life.
Harry’s early encounters with England rugby extended beyond the mascot role. Even before his viral anthem performance, the RFU had invited him and his father, Kevin, to meet the squad and coach Stuart Lancaster after a publicity shot of Harry on his father’s shoulders caught their attention. Following his anthem performance, Harry even hosted a short online chat show, engaging with England internationals Dylan Hartley, Luther Burrell, and Kieran Brookes as guests. These experiences helped instill in him both confidence and an understanding of professional rugby culture from a young age.
Despite his viral fame, Westlake’s current peers in the England Under-18 setup are largely unaware of his brief moment in the spotlight. “The core group of friends I have now, I’ve been friends with since I was six, seven, eight anyway,” he says. “So they all know and share the clips – it gets around. But no, I don’t think any of the England Under-18s know about it yet.” If given the chance, he plans to recreate that anthem magic on the pitch once again, bringing both pride and nostalgia to the team.
Westlake’s ambitions are clear. He hopes to don a senior England shirt within the next five years. “I think that’s everyone’s goal who’s in this camp: to progress through the pathway and eventually become an England player,” he says. “I’ve already thought about the anthem. If I get the chance, then definitely I’ll give it some – 100%.” His dedication to both his rugby development and the symbolic pride of representing his country underscores a unique blend of talent, determination, and patriotism.
The story of Harry Westlake is more than a tale of early internet fame; it’s the journey of a young athlete who has managed to balance health challenges, dedication to his sport, and the dreams inspired by a viral childhood moment. It reflects the long-term impact of opportunities, mentorship, and personal resilience. From singing the anthem at six to competing at an elite youth level, Westlake embodies the idea that early promise, when coupled with perseverance, can translate into sustained achievement.
His journey also demonstrates the evolving nature of sporting pathways in England. Grassroots experiences, national exposure, and academy systems collectively shape a young player’s trajectory. Westlake’s progression from Devonport Services to Exeter academy and now England U18 selection highlights the interconnectedness of these stages, where talent identification, support systems, and personal drive converge.
As the April U18 Six Nations Festival approaches, Westlake’s narrative captures the imagination of rugby fans and serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability inherent in sport. The blend of early viral fame, health challenges, and dedication to the game makes his story compelling not just for young athletes but for anyone interested in the human side of sporting achievement.
Looking ahead, Harry Westlake aims to continue building on his experiences, blending skill development, strategic understanding, and leadership qualities. His anticipation of singing the national anthem once more reflects the symbolic significance of representing one’s country, merging personal pride with professional ambition.
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