Tom Clarkson

Thomas Clarkson (born 22 February 2000), born Tommaso Clarkson, is an Irish rugby union player who plays for Leinster and Ireland. He plays as a prop.

Early life Born in Dublin, Clarkson attended Blackrock College and won a Leinster Schools Rugby Senior Cup with the school in 2018, alongside fellow Leinster academy member Liam Turner. Clarkson's mother Nina Cafolla comes from a small town between Rome and Naples. After leaving school, he joined Dublin University, the club representing Trinity College Dublin, in the amateur All-Ireland League.

Leinster Clarkson joined the Leinster academy ahead of the 2019–20 season. He made his senior debut for the province on 29 August 2020 as a 63rd minute replacement for Michael Bent in their 28–10 derby victory against Ulster.

Ireland Ever-present as the team's tighthead prop, Clarkson was a key player for the Ireland under-20s team that won a grand slam during the 2019 Six Nations Under 20s Championship. though the tournament was cancelled with two rounds still to be played due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the start of the 2023/24 season, Clarkson turned down an offer to play for Italy whom he qualified to play for through his Italian mother.

He was named on the bench for the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations to make his tournament debut. In February 2025, he was named in the starting lineup for the first time for the fixture against Wales.

Lions In July 2025 Clarkson was called up to the Lions squad to provide additional front row cover for their 2025 tour of Australia.

Honours

Blackrock College Leinster Schools Rugby Senior Cup: Winner (1): 2018

Leinster Pro14: Winner (2): 2020, 2021 United Rugby Championship Winner (1): 2024–25

Ireland Under-20s Six Nations Under 20s Championship: Winner (1): 2019 Grand Slam: Winner (1): 2019 Triple Crown: Winner (2): 2019, 2020

Ireland Triple Crown: Winner (1): 2025