O'Donnell is of mixed Irish-Maori descent. He was discovered by New Zealand head coach Gordon Tietjens playing in a local tournament in Te Rapa. Within weeks of his discovery, he was on the main squad. O'Donnell made his debut for New Zealand sevens team in the 2010 Dubai Sevens.
After the first three legs of his debut season, O'Donnell had already scored 17 tournament tries. His hat-trick in the final of the NZI Sevens made him an instant national hero and put him jointly as top try scorers for the 2010–11 season along with South Africa's Cecil Afrika and Fiji's Seremaia Burotu.
O'Donnell made his ITM Cup debut for Waikato in 2011, and was signed by the Chiefs in 2012. After making only one appearance with the side, he was delisted at the end of the season, and was signed by the Highlanders for the 2013 season.
O'Donnell will look to make his Super Rugby debut for the Blues, since signing for them ahead of the 2017 season.
Career
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Highlanders Right Wing |
2013 - 2013 |
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New Zealand 7's Right Wing |
2014 - 2016 |
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Maori All Blacks Outside Centre |
2017 - 2017 |
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Blues Outside Centre |
2017 - 2017 |
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Taranaki Outside Centre |
2016 - 2017 |
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Chiefs Left Wing |
2012 - 2018 |
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Waikato Outside Centre |
2011 - 2021 |
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Old Glory DC Right Wing |
2020 - 2023 |
