#DoItLikeHarry: From Viral Twickenham Mascot to England U18s Prospect

In the vast, echoing cathedral of Twickenham Stadium, moments of pure, unscripted passion are the lifeblood of the sport’s folklore. While tries, tackles, and trophies dominate the headlines, it is often the human stories that resonate deepest. Eleven years ago, a six-year-old boy in an oversized England jersey provided one such moment, capturing the heart of a nation with a single, powerful gesture. Today, that boy, Harry Westlake, is no longer a viral mascot but a genuine England U18s prospect, forging his own path in the game he so visibly adored. This is the story of a hashtag made flesh, a journey from #DoItLikeHarry to doing it for real.

A Moment of Viral Passion: The Birth of a Hashtag

The date was February 26, 2013. England was set to face Italy in the Six Nations. Among the pre-match pomp was a young mascot, Harry Westlake, who had won a competition for the honor. For days prior, he had diligently practiced the national anthem. When the first notes of ‘God Save the Queen’ rang out, the cameras found him. Standing directly in front of then-captain Chris Robshaw, the six-year-old didn’t just sing; he performed. With his fist clenched firmly over his heart, eyes fixed ahead, he belted out the anthem with a conviction that belied his years.

The image was electric. It spread across newspapers, television broadcasts, and the then-burgeoning world of social media. Here was the unadulterated passion of rugby personified—not in a 6’5″, 18-stone forward, but in a child. The hashtag #DoItLikeHarry was born, a shorthand for giving your all, for wearing your heart on your sleeve, for authentic commitment. It was a feel-good story that lasted a news cycle, but for Harry, it was just the beginning of a much longer chapter.

The Path from Passion to Prospect

Fast forward to the present, and the viral sensation is now a dedicated student-athlete. Harry Westlake is a student at Exeter College and plans to attend the University of Exeter to pursue a degree in Sports Coaching, seamlessly blending academic ambition with his rugby development. This dual-path approach is telling. It speaks to a mature understanding of the game beyond the white lines—a perspective that aligns with the modern player’s need for a life and career beyond rugby.

His rugby journey, however, has been anything but casual. The boy who once held Chris Robshaw’s hand is now competing for a spot among England’s elite at the U18 level. This progression is a testament to sustained hard work, talent, and the resilience required to transition from a moment of fame to the grind of daily training and competition. The Exeter Chiefs academy system, renowned for its player development, provides the perfect environment for this next stage. He is no longer defined by a single moment, but by his performances on the pitch.

Key Elements of Westlake’s Development:

• Academy Environment: Training within the Exeter Chiefs system, one of the most productive in English rugby.
• Academic Integration: Pursuing a Sports Coaching degree to understand the theoretical and pedagogical side of performance.
• Mindset Shift: Evolving from a symbolic figure to a competitive athlete earning his place through merit.
• Positional Development: Honing the specific skills required for his role, under top-level coaching.

Expert Analysis: What Does It Take to Transition from Moment to Career?

From a sports development perspective, Harry Westlake’s journey is a fascinating case study. The “mascot to prospect” narrative is exceptionally rare. The initial viral fame provided a unique entry point, but it carries no weight in selection meetings or on the training ground. The challenge is profound: to escape the label of “that kid from the anthem” and establish yourself as “that player from the academy.”

Experts point to several critical factors that have likely contributed to his progression. First, the innate passion displayed that day at Twickenham is a non-negotiable foundation. Coaching can teach skill, but it cannot instill that level of visceral love for the jersey. Second, the support system around him—family, coaches, teachers—would have been crucial in keeping his feet on the ground and his focus on long-term development. Finally, the rugby ecosystem in Exeter is ideal. The pathway from college to university to the Chiefs’ senior setup is well-trodden and structured, offering a clear vision of what is possible with dedication.

His choice of a Sports Coaching degree is particularly astute. It suggests a player thinking deeply about the game’s mechanics, leadership, and man-management—qualities that often distinguish good players from great ones and can extend a career long after playing days are over.

Predictions: What’s Next for Harry Westlake?

Predicting any young athlete’s trajectory is fraught with uncertainty, but the signs for Westlake are promising. His presence in the England U18s conversation indicates he is among the best in his age group nationally. The next 24 months will be pivotal.

The likely pathway involves solidifying his place at Exeter College, transitioning to university rugby, and aiming for a senior academy contract with the Chiefs. The Premiership Rugby Under-18s Academy League will be a key proving ground. His story and work ethic could also make him a valuable ambassador for the RFU’s grassroots initiatives, inspiring the next generation—a neat full-circle opportunity.

The ultimate goal, of course, is a professional contract and, perhaps one day, a return to Twickenham not as a mascot, but as a player. Imagine the narrative: over a decade later, singing the national anthem on the same turf, this time as an England international. The symbolism would be overwhelming.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Hashtag

The story of Harry Westlake transcends a cute viral video. It is a narrative about the enduring power of authentic passion and the disciplined journey required to channel that passion into profession. #DoItLikeHarry began as an instruction to sing with gusto; it has evolved into a metaphor for pursuing a dream with unwavering commitment.

From a fist-clenched six-year-old to a disciplined England U18s prospect studying Sports Coaching at Exeter, Westlake is embodying his own hashtag. He is doing it like Harry: with heart, with focus, and with a clear-eyed understanding that the anthem is just the beginning of the song. The rugby world will be watching, not for a nostalgic callback, but for the next verse in a uniquely compelling career. His journey reminds us that while moments of fame can be fleeting, the foundations of true fandom—passion, dedication, and love for the game—can, with immense work, become the blueprint for a career.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.