Gordon D'Arcy

Gordon D’arcy is a retired Irish rugby player best known for playing his entire career with Leinster at inside centre position. Gordon has quite a decorated career, with three Heineken Cup wins, a challenge cup and four league titles to his name. He has also claimed two Six Nations titles whilst playing for Ireland and competed in a Grand Slam with the team too. When Gordon was still a schoolboy he was becoming promising in the sport.

He played as a full back for school side Clongowes Wood, which lead to him being selected for the Irish squad to feature in the tour to South Africa. However, due to his studies, Gordon decided to turn this offer down and postpone his career in rugby. After finishing his studies Gordon decided to follow rugby again, joining Lansdowne Football Club. He made his debut for his country as a substitute player in the World Cup game against Romania.

After playing in the 2004 Six Nations tournament he was voted player of the tournament, building his reputation as a fantastic player. He was also nominated as IRB Player of the Year in 2004, again commending him for his hard work and determination on the pitch. Unfortunately Gordon was plagued by injury in the 2004-2005 season, however he did not let that stop him. His determination saw him secure a place in the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. In the 2006 Six Nations Championships Gordon started in all of Ireland’s matches. He performed significantly well in these matches, defeating more defenders than any other player. Gordon was also selected to play in all of the 2007 Six Nation Championship matches for Ireland.

2009 brought change for Gordon, being named as a player in the Barbarians squad who would go on to play England and Australia. Gordon’s next significant rugby match was when he was selected for the Ireland team in the Rugby World Cup 2011. Whilst at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Gordon set a world record alongside his fellow player Brian O’Driscoll for the most appearances in a centre partnership in international rugby.

Now retired from rugby, Gordon devotes his time to rugby speaking. He is able to supply a range of corporate events with inspiring and entertaining personal anecdotes and experiences. He is also a frequent writer of opinion pieces that are published in the Irish Times, pieces that are central to rugby demonstrating his knowledge and passion surrounding the subject.