Fans will have been expecting plenty from the new ‘Game of Thrones’ series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, but a starring role from a former Ireland U20s rugby international was surely not among them.
The new series, the third in the ‘Game of Thrones’ franchise, premiered last month, with the penultimate episode of season one set to air this week.
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It has generally received warm reviews from critics, with the leading performance of Irishman Peter Claffey singled out for praise by many viewers.
The Galwegian plays the lead role of Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall in the new series, and has proven popular with fans on social media and critics alike.
However, not everyone will know that Claffey was part of one of the greatest Ireland U20s rugby teams of all time during the 2016 Six Nations.
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Game of Thrones star played U20s rugby for Ireland
A glance through the Ireland squad for the 2016 U20s Six Nations throws up a whole host of names who remain integral to the senior Irish team to this day.
Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O’Brien, Jacob Stockdale, Will Connors, Max Deegan, Shane Daly and Andrew Porter were all part of the squad for the Six Nations, with the group captained by James Ryan.
And, alongside Porter, Ryan and co. in the forwards was now-‘Game of Thrones’ star Peter Claffey.
11 March 2016; Peter Claffey, Ireland, is tackled by Gabriele Venditti, Italy. Electric Ireland U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship, Ireland v Italy. Donnybrook Stadium, Donnybrook, Dublin. Picture credit: Piaras Ó MÃdheach / SPORTSFILE
A native of Portumna like Galway great Joe Canning, Claffey attended Garbally College in Ballinasloe, and played his club rugby for Galwegians.
Claffey started alongside captain James Ryan in the second row for the games against England and France in the 2016 U20s Six Nations. Ryan would, of course, shortly thereafter establish himself as one of the core players of both the Leinster and Ireland senior setups.
The England game saw Ireland produce a stunning comeback, fighting back from 20-6 down at half time to win 26-20.
They would ultimately finish third in the table.
Ireland would go on to reach the final of that year’s U20s World Championship, the first such feat at this age grade for an Irish team.
Unfortunately for Claffey, he missed that journey due to injury.
He would go on to sign a pro contract with Connacht, but made no competitive appearances for the province before departing in 2019.
28 August 2018; Peter Claffey during Connacht Rugby squad training at the Sportsground in Galway. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Claffey ultimately stepped away from pro rugby after leaving his Connacht contract, citing the demands of the professional game.
It would not take long for him to find another calling, as he revisited an old passion of his in filmmaking and sketch comedy.
He enrolled in the Bow Street Academy shortly after retiring from rugby, graduating in 2020.
His first major film appearance came in the 2024 Irish hit Small Things Like These, in a minor role alongside Oscar-winning Corkonian Cillian Murphy.
It appears as though the move has proven the right one for Claffey.
“Rugby got quite serious when I was quite young, around 12 or 13,” Claffey told talkSPORT recently at the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
“Everything else gets put on the backburner, so [rugby] becomes your identity.
When I left rugby, it was hard to find that previous self, to find that passion again.
Towards the end of it, I’d started to potter around and write some sketch comedy and different things.
I don’t know, it sort of re-lit this passion and fire of filmmaking and performing different characters and stuff.
It made me go to acting school and take a chance on things. I’ve just been incredibly lucky ever since.
I feel a lot happier now with what I’m doing. I was getting quite **** at rugby towards the end as well!
Part of one of the greatest Ireland U20s squads ever assembled and now part of the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe. It has been some journey for Peter Claffey.
However, the Galway native has not forgotten the camaraderie with the players he shared that U20s campaign with.
The talkSPORT interview concluded with a question on who Peter Claffey thought might win the now-ongoing Six Nations.
“I’m afraid I have to go no comment,” Claffey diplomatically replied.
I have friends on the Irish team.
I just don’t know what’s going to happen!
I’m really looking forward to watching it…of course Ireland!
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