Kieran Marmion is an Irish rugby union player who primarily plays as a scrum-half. He currently represents Bristol Bears.
Early Life:
Marmion was born in Barking, England, to Irish parents and was raised in Brecon, Wales. His father, Mick Marmion, is a former Saracens centre. He attended Christ College, Brecon, and Kirkham Grammar School, where he was part of their successful rugby sevens team, finishing as runners-up at the Rosslyn Park Schools sevens tournament. Marmion also studied at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. From a young age, he was involved with the Irish Exiles program and represented the Exiles at the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels. This led to his selection for the Ireland Under-20 team and his subsequent signing with Connacht's academy in 2011.
Club Career - Connacht:
Marmion joined Connacht from the IRFU Exiles system, which supports Irish-qualified players overseas in pursuing professional rugby in Ireland. He made his Pro12 debut for Connacht on 1 September 2012 while still in the academy, starting against Cardiff Blues. Marmion made his Heineken Cup debut on 13 October 2012, starting in Connacht's historic 10-19 away win against Zebre. In November 2012, he signed a two-year contract with Connacht and was named Connacht's Player of the Month for October 2012. Marmion had an impressive first season, starting all 22 league games and all six Heineken Cup matches. He continued to excel in subsequent seasons, extending his contract with Connacht until at least the summer of 2016.
Marmion scored his first try for Connacht on 28 September 2013 against Ospreys in the 2013-14 Pro12 season. He remained a key player for Connacht, featuring in all competitive games and contributing to their successes in the Pro12.
International Career:
Despite being raised in Wales, Marmion represents Ireland at the international level due to his Irish heritage and his involvement with the Irish Exiles program. He has played for various underage Ireland teams, including the Under-18, Under-20, and senior sides.
Marmion made his debut for Ireland Under-20 on 10 June 2011, starting against England Under-20 in the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. He played in all games of the tournament and also featured in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship, including Ireland's historic 19-23 win against South Africa Under-20.
He received his first call-up to the senior Ireland squad for the 2013 tour to North America. Marmion was named in Joe Schmidt's extended 44-man squad for the 2014 Six Nations Championship and made his international debut for Ireland Wolfhounds in a friendly against England Saxons. He earned his first cap for the senior Ireland side in the 2014 end-of-season tests, coming on as a replacement against Argentina.
Throughout his career, Marmion has been a consistent performer for Connacht and has made significant contributions to Ireland's success on the international stage. His skills as a scrum-half, including his ability to identify opportunities, kicking game, and defensive prowess, have earned him recognition and admiration in the rugby community.
Honors:
Pro12 Winner with Connacht Rugby (2015/2016)
Pro12 Dream Team (Team of the Season, 2015/2016)
KG(14/06/2023)
Career
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Bristol Bears Scrum Half |
2023 - present |
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Ireland U20's Scrum Half |
2011 - 2012 |
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Irish Wolfhounds Scrum Half |
2014 - 2014 |
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Ireland Scrum Half |
2015 - 2021 |
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Kirkham Grammar School Scrum Half |
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Galway Corinthians RFC Scrum Half |
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Galwegians RFC Scrum Half |
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Connacht Rugby Scrum Half |
2011 - 2023 |
