John-Paul Clarkin (born 5 June 1978) is a professional polo player. Born in New Zealand, he is the eldest son of Chele and the late Paul Clarkin and elder brother of Matthew Clarkin a professional rugby player.
John-Paul is currently the highest ranked New Zealand Polo Player on 8-goals. His ambition is to become the first New Zealand player to reach the maximum 10-goal ranking.
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.
John-Paul spends the major part of each year overseas playing polo in Australia, England, Argentina and South Africa as well as New Zealand.
On 2 September 2006 he married Nina Vestey, a niece of the 3rd Baron Vestey, Master of the Horse.[1][2]