John Paul Clarkin

John Paul Clarkin (born 5 June 1978) is a professional polo player.

Early life
John Paul Clarkin was born on 5 June 1978 in New Zealand. He is the eldest son of Chele and Paul Clarkin. His brother, Matthew Clarkin, is a professional rugby player.

Career
In 2003 John-Paul won the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, held in Cowdray, Midhurst and in 2008 the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He is currently the highest ranked New Zealand polo player on 8-goals.

In 2007, on the Cadenza team, together with Tony Pidgley, Tomas Fernandez Llorente and Nicolas Espain, he won the Prince of Wales Trophy. In 2010, on the Emlor team, he won it again with Spencer McCarthy, Ignacio Gonzalez and Joaquin Pittaluga.

He spends the major part of each year overseas playing polo in Australia, England, Argentina and South Africa as well as New Zealand.

Personal life
On 2 September 2006, he married Nina Vestey, a niece of the Samuel Vestey, 3rd Baron Vestey, Master of the Horse.