Congratulations to Dr. John O’Driscoll OS 71 on his election as the 136th President of the Irish Rugby Football Union.
John’s rugby journey began at Stonyhurst, where he captained school teams and honed the leadership, determination and sporting spirit that would carry him to the very top of the game. The skills and values he developed here became the foundation for an exceptional career both on and off the field.
He went on to earn 26 caps for Ireland, tour twice with the British & Irish Lions (1980 and 1983), and play a pivotal role in Ireland’s historic 1982 Triple Crown victory the first in over three decades. His club career included Liverpool St Helens, Manchester, and Connacht (for 13 seasons), as well as captaining London Irish to the John Player Cup Final in 1980, the same year he was named Irish Sportsman of the Year.
After retiring from playing, he remained deeply involved in rugby as a coach, President of the Irish Exiles, Lions selector, and IRFU representative to World Rugby and Rugby Europe.
Away from the game, John enjoyed a distinguished medical career as a Consultant Dermatologist, serving as Clinical Director of Greater Manchester Dermatology and Chair of a Regional Skin Cancer Network before retiring.
We warmly congratulate him on this prestigious appointment and wish him every success for the year ahead as he leads the IRFU into an exciting new chapter, including the upcoming Rugby World Cup. His achievement adds to Stonyhurst’s proud tradition of producing exceptional sportsmen and women who go on to make their mark on the national and international stage.
