Jack Stafford (rugby union)

Jack Stafford
Date of birth (1997-07-11) 11 July 1997 (age 27)
Place of birthWexford, Ireland
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight85 kg (13.4 st; 187 lb)
SchoolGlenstal Abbey School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrum-half
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Shannon ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017–2020 Munster 3 (0)
2020–2023 Harlequins 7 (0)
2021-2022 Richmond RFC (loan) 7 (5)
Correct as of 29 Mar 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017 Ireland U20 6 (5)
Correct as of 18 June 2017

Jack Stafford (born 11 July 1997) is a former Irish rugby union player. He played as a scrum-half for English Premiership Rugby side Harlequins and for Munster Rugby. He retired in July 2023 and now works in Sydney at Market Lane Insurance Group[1]

Early life

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Stafford was born in Wexford, Ireland and attended Glenstal Abbey School, where he was selected in the Munster Schools Team of the Year in 2014 and 2016. He represented Munster at Under-18 and Under-19 level.[2][3]

Domestic career

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Munster

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Stafford made his senior competitive debut for Munster on 26 November 2017, coming off the bench to replace James Hart in the provinces 2017–18 Pro14 round 9 win against Zebre.[4] He was released by province in June 2020 after completing the three-year academy cycle.[5]

Harlequins

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Stafford moved to England to join Premiership Rugby side Harlequins, in a move that was confirmed in August 2020. He had a two-week trail with the club during the summer, and signed a short-term contract until October 2020,[1] which was later extended.[6] Stafford made his debut for the club as a replacement in their 57–21 defeat at home to Ulster in the last 16 of the 2020–21 Challenge Cup on 4 April 2021.[7][8]

Ireland

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Stafford has played for Ireland Under-20s at the 2017 Six Nations Under 20 Championship and the 2017 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Scrum-half Stafford joins Premiership club Harlequins after leaving Munster". The42. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Jack Stafford - Munster Schools Team of the Year". Glenstal Abbey School. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  3. ^ a b "VIDEO: Introducing Jack Stafford". Munster Rugby. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  4. ^ "Bonus-Point Win For Munster In Zebre". Munster Rugby. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  5. ^ "Greencore Munster Rugby Academy Confirmed". Munster Rugby. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Flannery looks to add 'steely edge' to Quins pack as they visit Thomond Park". The42. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
  7. ^ "Team named to host Ulster". Harlequins. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Ulster set-piece the platform for victory over Harlequins". The Irish Times. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
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