The ACT Brumbies have announced the addition of Australian rugby sevens star Ben O’Donnell to the club’s Super Rugby Pacific squad until the end of 2024.

The 26-year-old outside-back returns to Australia after a three-year stint in Ireland with Connacht, having previously represented Australia in Sevens on 95 occasions, winning Rugby Australia’s coveted Shawn Mackay award for Sevens player of the year in 2018.

O’Donnell is in line to wear ACT colours for the first time in Saturday’s practice match against a NSW Waratahs development side at St. Edmund’s College.

O’Donnell said he was thrilled to be back in his home country and joining a great club.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and to be joining such a highly respected club like the ACT Brumbies.”

“Playing in Connacht was an unreal experience and I’m grateful for my time there and the mate I made but I’m looking forward to working every day with a world-class coaching staff and the boys here who have created a great culture from everything I have heard.

“Preseasons never get any easier but I’m excited for the hard work and especially looking forward to having a run around with my new teammates on Saturday.”

ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said he’s excited to see what O’Donnell can add to the club’s backline.

“Ben will be a quality addition to our group.”

“Ben was a very accomplished sevens player, and he’s made a good transition to 15s, but we feel he’s got a great chance to develop further in our environment.

“With his pace and feel for the game, Ben’s an option across the backline and we’re excited to see how he goes on Saturday.”