Gordon D’Arcy recalls choosing rugby over college before returning at 28

Former Leinster and Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy explained on The Pat Kenny Show why he gave up third‑level education at 20 to pursue a professional rugby career, before re‑enrolling at age 28.

D’Arcy, who made 257 appearances for Leinster – the second‑most in the province’s history – and scored 60 tries, told Kenny that in the late 1990s his parents expected him to attend college, a route they valued highly. He added that the sport had only turned professional in 1996, so the decision was “full of ifs and buts”.

After trying to juggle both commitments, D’Arcy recalled his father’s warning that he was “not doing either well”, prompting him to choose rugby full‑time. He later returned to education when he was 28, seeking a new mental challenge and describing the experience as “humble” and rewarding.

The interview was broadcast live from the newly refurbished Laya Arena at the RDS, where Leinster are set to face Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship. D’Arcy also highlighted his post‑rugby ventures, including children’s books, the Form School brand with his wife Aoife Cogan, and collaboration with his sister’s award‑winning Kids Speech Labs.

Leinster v Cardiff kicks off at 7:45 pm on TG4.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Jakub Zerdzicki / Pexels.