Kyran Bracken

Kyran Paul Patrick Bracken MBE was born in Dublin, Ireland, on November 22, 1971. He moved to England at age four and was raised in Liverpool, attending St. Edward’s College and later Stonyhurst College, where he was coached by Brian Ashton. Bracken pursued a law degree at the University of Bristol, where he also played rugby, and qualified as a solicitor. Although initially turned down by Ireland’s national team, his talent was recognized by Bristol, leading him to a professional rugby career.

Bracken made his England debut in November 1993 against the All Blacks, earning 51 caps throughout his career, and captaining the national team on three occasions. He played club rugby for Waterloo, Bristol, and Saracens, joining Saracens in 1996 and contributing to their Tetley’s Bitter Cup win in 1998. A significant milestone in his career was being part of the England squad that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, making important contributions as a substitute and earning his 50th cap in the quarter-final against Wales.

Beyond rugby, Bracken extended his public profile by winning ITV’s celebrity ice dancing competition, “Dancing on Ice,” in 2007. He achieved the highest score in the show’s history at that time in the semi-final and went on to win the “Champion of Champions” special edition. He has since been involved in various business ventures, including his own touring ice skating show, Kyran’s Ice Party, and co-hosts the “Ruck It!” podcast with fellow England international Nick Easter. Bracken is also an Honorary President for the rugby charity Wooden Spoon and an Ambassador for the Royal National Children’s Foundation.