Matthew Clarkin
| Birth name | Matthew Clarkin | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 4 July 1981 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Cirencester, England | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 is currently Director of Rugby at Top 14 Club 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.