Rugby Union

It's back to school for Ben Donaldson in World Cup bid

Feb 7, 2026

Ben Donaldson has set a plan to reclaim a Wallabies jersey and secure the No.10 spot. -AAP Image

Western Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson will attempt to tap back into his schoolboy mindset in a bid to achieve his dream of being the Wallabies' No.10 at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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Donaldson's 2025 campaign was a topsy-turvy one - the year starting with a dazzling 70m match-winning try against Moana Pasifika but ending with him being squeezed out of the Wallabies' squad.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt told the 26-year-old to work on his physicality in defence and ability to handle the high ball.

Schmidt, as well as incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss, also want to see more consistency from Donaldson while still employing his attacking, aggressive edge.

Donaldson has taken the feedback on board, and he's now determined to play with the same sense of freedom he employed while starring for Waverley College in year 12.

"I still think schoolboy footy is the most fun out of any comp, any team you can play," Donaldson said ahead of the Force's season opener against the Brumbies in Perth next Saturday.

"It was definitely the most fun in terms of playing freely. So I try to look back at that, try to think about that sometimes.

"My dad always says to me, and even Joe said to me a few times, 'Just go out and play as if you're playing back at first XV at school on in junior footy'."

Playing an attacking brand of rugby can lead to mistakes. And when mistakes build up, confidence can suffer.

But Donaldson believes his new mindset will leave him in the best shape to handle the ups and downs of a game, while also having the bonus of leading to fewer mistakes.

"For me, this year, I'm just going to try play free, not think or not worry too much about outcome of things - Wallabies selection or whatever," Donaldson said.

"I'm just going to play what's in front of me. Because when I'm playing instinctive and I'm positive and confident, that's when I play my best footy.

"That's when you take risks, that's when you play what's in front. And when you're confident, you're probably less likely to actually make mistakes."

A good Super Rugby season will thrust Donaldson straight back into the Wallabies mix.

And with just 600 days to go until the 2027 World Cup kicks off in Australia, Donaldson has his goals firmly set.

"I want to be the Wallabies number 10 at the World Cup," Donaldson said.

"I've had a few chats with Les and with Joe, so I'm pretty clear on what they want from me and what they want from number 10s moving forward.

"So I've got a plan in place, and I'm going to do that."