Three Griffith Business Students Earn National Rugby Honors
Griffith College celebrates a significant achievement as three Business faculty students – Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, and Michael Milne – secure positions in Ireland’s squad for the 2026 Six Nations Championship opener against France. This selection highlights the exceptional talent developing within Griffith’s academic community while balancing rigorous study programs at Ireland’s largest independent third-level institution.
The upcoming match at Paris’ Stade de France on February 5th represents a career milestone for these student-athletes, with the 80,000-seat stadium providing an iconic stage for their international debut. Virgin Media will broadcast the 20:10 kickoff to audiences across Ireland.
Have questions about balancing academic and athletic commitments at Griffith College? Contact our admissions team to discuss student support services.
The Significance of Six Nations Selection
The Six Nations Championship remains one of rugby union’s most prestigious tournaments, featuring Europe’s top national teams. Selection demonstrates:
- Elite athletic performance at international level
- Exceptional time management between sports and studies
- Commitment to representing Ireland on global stage
This achievement continues Griffith College’s tradition of nurturing student talent across academic and extracurricular domains. The Dublin-based institution has increasingly become known for developing well-rounded graduates who excel in multiple disciplines.
Academic Pathways for Student-Athletes
Griffith College’s Business faculty, where all three selected students study, offers flexible learning options that accommodate training and competition schedules. Key features include:
Structured Academic Support
Personalized learning plans help student-athletes manage coursework during intensive training periods. The college’s Learner Hub provides academic assistance tailored to individual schedules.
Sports Performance Facilities
Griffith’s Dublin campus features fitness centers and training grounds that meet professional standards, allowing students to maintain peak conditioning alongside their studies.
Considering a degree that accommodates athletic ambitions? Explore Griffith’s flexible programs designed for high-performance students.
Beyond the Classroom: Campus Life at Griffith
The college’s rugby success story emerges from an active campus culture that values:
- 20+ sports clubs and societies
- Intervarsity competitions
- Professional-grade training facilities
- Strength and conditioning programs
This ecosystem enables students to develop both academically and athletically, with many graduates progressing to professional sports careers while completing their degrees.
National Recognition for Griffith’s Approach
The selection of three Griffith students for Ireland’s premier rugby tournament validates the college’s commitment to:
- Holistic student development
- Academic flexibility for athletes
- High-performance training integration
As Dublin’s sporting community celebrates this achievement, prospective students should note that applications for September intake are now open. Submit your application to join Ireland’s leading institution for academic-athletic balance.
Celebrating Achievement at Griffith College
As Clarkson, Conan, and Milne prepare for their Six Nations debut, Griffith College reaffirms its position as Ireland’s premier destination for students pursuing excellence in both academia and sport. The college community will be watching proudly as these student-athletes represent both Ireland and Griffith on rugby’s biggest stage.
Current and prospective students can follow the team’s progress through Griffith College’s official social media channels and campus announcements. The match against France marks not just a personal achievement for these students, but a milestone in Griffith’s ongoing commitment to developing Ireland’s future leaders – both on and off the field.
Interested in joining a college that champions student potential across all disciplines? Connect with our admissions team to begin your Griffith journey.
