At just 8 years old, Ned O'Brien's competitive fire was ignited through rugby. Introduced to the sport by his best friend's father, a former player for New Mexico State, O'Brien quickly found his true athletic passion.

Throughout childhood, he primarily played scrumhalf on recreational teams. In his senior year of high school, O'Brien expanded his versatility to fullback, flanker, and hooker in 7s matches. At Western Washington University, he transitioned to wing, leveraging his agility, tackling prowess, and ball skills, though he envisions potentially shifting to center.

The mantra "Don't be okay with getting beat" motivated O'Brien to overcome an early aversion to contact, realizing it was crucial to reaching his full potential. "At a certain point, I figured it was part of the game I loved, and to be my best, I needed to get over this fear," he reflected. "This mindset has driven me through rugby and life's challenges."

Drawn by Western's renowned rugby program, beautiful campus, and proximity to his Mukilteo hometown, O'Brien has relished the team's brotherhood. Throughout high school, he played club soccer and football but never connected with those sports like rugby, which provided an escape and avenue for athletic growth among cherished teammates.

Looking ahead, O'Brien aims to become more explosive and versatile to make an impact at any position. Off the field, he's focused on academics while seeking wisdom from mentors. Fueled by rugby's perseverance and self-improvement values, O'Brien hopes to inspire the next generation as impactfully as those who sparked his lifelong passion.