Matthew Clarkin
| Born | Matthew Clarkin 4 July 1981 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 105 kg (16.5 st) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Matthew (Matt) Clarkin is an English born ex-New Zealand rugby union player and son of Chele and Paul Clarkin who was known internationally as 'Mr Polo'. His elder brother is John-Paul Clarkin a professional polo player.
Clarkin played most of his professional rugby career at the top level in France and was captain of the Top 14 team Union Bordeaux Bègles 2010–2016, retiring from professional rugby after 15/16 season.
He took up a new position in July 2025 and is currently Director of Rugby of the ambitious NISSA RUGBY team situated in Nice. This appointment follows his stint as Director of Rugby of Biarritz Olympique 2018-2024 Biarritz Olympique.
As a player he was described as being someone that is able to orchestrate play, as well as having a strong work ethic and hitting the ball up into the opposition allowing space for the back line.