Imagine a six-year-old boy, fist clenched over his heart, belting out the national anthem with such passion that it captures the hearts of an entire nation. That was Harry Westlake, whose viral moment as England’s mascot over a decade ago left an indelible mark on rugby fans everywhere. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: that little boy is now 17 and on the brink of representing England again—this time as a player in the U18 Six Nations squad. Could this be the ultimate full-circle story in rugby?
Eleven years ago, Harry’s rendition of God Save the Queen before England’s match against Italy became an internet sensation. Standing beside then-captain Chris Robshaw, he sang with such gusto that it sparked the hashtag #DoItLikeHarry. Days later, a slightly more subdued Harry appeared on BBC Breakfast, where presenter Naga Munchetty asked him, ‘Will we see you on the pitch one day, singing as a player?’ This April, that question might just get its answer.
Now part of England’s training camp ahead of a warm-up match against France and the U18 Six Nations Festival in Vichy, France, Harry reflects on his journey. ‘England Rugby was always a massive thing for me growing up,’ he says. ‘I just loved England—I’m very patriotic.’ He recalls his mascot experience vividly, from asking Robshaw if he was ready to walking out with the confidence of a seasoned player. ‘My mum told me, “Make sure you sing it loud and sing it proud,”’ he shares. ‘So that’s exactly what I did.’
At the time, Harry was playing for Devonport Services’ under-7s, dreaming of becoming England’s fly-half or centre. While that specific dream may not materialize, his path has been no less remarkable. Now a hard-running back row in Exeter’s academy, he channels the energy of players like Ben Earl and Henry Pollock, though he cites childhood hero Owen Farrell as his mental inspiration.
But Harry’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic gut inflammation, he’s had to show resilience to keep his rugby dreams alive. ‘There was a two, three, four-year period where it was pretty tough,’ he admits. ‘It affects my energy levels, especially around medication time, but we’re getting through it now.’
And this is the part most people miss: Harry’s anthem moment wasn’t even his first encounter with the England squad. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) had previously invited him and his father, Kevin, to meet the team after using a photo of them at a match in their publicity material. Post-anthem fame, Harry even hosted his own mini chat show, interviewing England stars Dylan Hartley, Luther Burrell, and Kieran Brookes.
Today, as he prepares for the U18 Six Nations, Harry’s childhood fame remains a topic of conversation—though not with his new teammates. ‘My close friends know and share the clips,’ he says. ‘But I don’t think any of the England Under-18s are aware of it yet.’ If they haven’t seen the video, he’s determined to give them a live performance. ‘I’d love to be playing in a senior England shirt in five years,’ he declares. ‘And if I get the chance to sing the anthem again? Definitely—100%.’
But here’s the controversial question: Does early fame like Harry’s set unrealistic expectations for young athletes, or does it inspire them to dream bigger? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Harry’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of a dream—whether it’s singing an anthem or stepping onto the pitch as a player.
