Henry Arundell, born on November 8, 2002, is an English rugby union player who currently plays for London Irish in Premiership Rugby. His preferred position is at fullback.
Arundell was born on a Royal Air Force base in Dhekelia, a British overseas territory in Cyprus. His father, Ralph Arundell, served as an army officer in The Rifles for thirty years, with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His mother, Jane Arundell, works in the NHS as a Public Health Team Leader in Wiltshire.
Arundell started his sporting journey at Holt VC Primary School, where he excelled in various sports. He later attended Harrow School, an all-boys boarding school in London, and has been associated with London Irish since the age of 14.
In the 2022 Six Nations Under 20s Championship, Arundell gained attention as a standout player to watch. He emerged as the joint-top try-scorer in the competition, scoring four tries.
Several notable performances and tries contributed to his growing reputation, including a brace of tries against Leicester Tigers in a Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final. Arundell also made an impact as a substitute against Wasps, scoring a try and earning the Man of the Match award in a remarkable 25-point comeback. His try, which began from his own goal-line, against Toulon garnered widespread coverage and acclaim.
Arundell's impressive displays for London Irish led to him being named Premiership Rugby's young player of the season for 2021-22. On June 10, 2022, he signed a new "long-term" contract with the club. He was subsequently included as an "apprentice player" in England's squad for the summer tour in Australia. On his debut on July 2, 2022, Arundell scored a try with his first touch of the ball.
Arundell has also represented the England under-20s team and gained attention for his exceptional solo try against Toulon during the 2021/22 Challenge Cup. He was part of the London Irish U18s squad that won the Under-18 Academy League title. Arundell's performances, including 11 tries in 17 appearances, earned him the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award.
While eligible to represent Scotland and Wales, Arundell received a call-up to the England national team for the three-test tour to Australia, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Arundell has been named in the squad for England.
KG(23/06/2023)
Career
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Racing 92 Right Wing |
2023 - present |
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England U20's Fullback |
2022 - 2022 |
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London Irish Fullback |
2021 - 2023 |
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England Fullback |
2022 - 2024 |
