View
comments
Three weeks on from the life-changing event, Ollie Hoskins is still coming to terms with what happened — and his new status.
'It's weird to be able to call myself an international rugby player and to be able to call myself a Wallaby, with a cap and my own number,' he said. 'I'm Wallaby No949.'
When the London Irish prop was named in Australia's match-day squad to face England - days after a call-up which left him shaking in shock - a video of his emotional response went viral in rugby circles and beyond. Footage of the huge tighthead being reduced to tears of joy resonated with people.
Ollie Hoskins is still on cloud nine after his shock call up to Australia's rugby squad last month
The story of his out-of-the-blue Test debut struck a chord because Hoskins, 28, had all but given up on his dream. He had moved from Perth to London in 2016 and long since believed that he was out of sight, out of mind.
But then the call came and his raw euphoria was a glorious antidote to sporting cynicism. This was not about money or fame, it was about pride and honour — for Hoskins and his family on both sides of the equator.
'It was such a
