In Conversation with Rugby Player Jordan Larmour

At FOCUS Capital Partners, we take pride in partnering with individuals who embody excellence, dedication, and teamwork, as values that align closely with how we do business. As part of that commitment, we’re delighted to have Irish rugby star Jordan Larmour as our brand ambassador.

A key player for Leinster Rugby and Ireland in recent seasons, Larmour was instrumental in Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam victory. He made his international debut the same year and scored a stunning hat-trick against Italy in Chicago. With Leinster, he has won multiple PRO14 titles and a European Rugby Champions Cup. Known for his speed and agility as a wing and a fullback, Larmour remains one of Ireland’s standout rugby talents, recognised for his professionalism, drive, and pursuit of success.

Here we sat down with Jordan to talk about life as a professional rugby player, his approach to fitness and performance, and what drives him both on and off the pitch.

Jordan, it’s great to have you as our FOCUS Capital Partners brand ambassador. How have you found the partnership so far, and what drew you to partnering with a firm like ours?

It’s been really good so far. I’ve really enjoyed the events we’ve done together and getting to know the FOCUS team and the clients. Everyone’s been very welcoming, and I’m looking forward to doing more events and meeting even more people. What drew me to the partnership with FOCUS was, I genuinely find what you do interesting! I wanted to learn more about the world of corporate finance you operate in and saw it as a great opportunity to connect with a new network and gain insight into a different field.

It has been a tough start to the season for Leinster. How do you rate your chances of some silverware again this year?

Yes, it definitely wasn’t the ideal start, losing our first couple of games and then that loss against Munster those are tough ones to take… but I still think our chances of silverware are very much still alive. We’ve got a great group of players and coaches, and we know what we’re capable of. It’s just about improving week by week, building confidence, and getting back to the standards we set for ourselves. If we do that, I’ve no doubt we can be right in the mix come the end of the season.

Thinking about your career so far, from your early days in St. Andrew’s, to Leinster and playing for Ireland – what moments stand out as highlights?

There have been a few special ones. Getting my first cap for Leinster was a huge moment and something I’d dreamed about since I was a kid. My family were all there too, which made it even more special. Growing up watching Leinster, moments like winning the Grand Slam, European Cups, and Pro14 titles were the kind of things that inspired me, so to be part of those moments as a player has been incredible. Winning trophies with both Leinster and Ireland are definitely up there as career highlights.

With 32 caps for Ireland, how do you reflect on the main differences between playing for Leinster and Ireland? Are there variations in coaching style for example?

Yes there are a few differences. Naturally, the coaching setups are different, so there are different styles and ways of doing things. Playing for Ireland also comes with that extra bit of pressure. The games are incredibly intense and everything happens that bit faster at international level. That said, some of the big European games with Leinster can get to that same level too. At the end of the day though, I try not to overthink it, it’s still a game of rugby, and you just focus on doing your job as best you can.

Professional rugby demands incredible discipline and resilience. What does a typical week of training and preparation look like for you during the season? And how do you stay at your peak?

A typical week starts on Monday with a review of the weekend’s game, a few meetings, and a lighter training session to get the body moving again. Tuesday is usually a big day of gym work, meetings, and then a tough field session. Wednesday is our day off, which I usually use for recovery massages, ice baths, saunas, or catching up on video work. Thursday is our last main session, with more gym and pitch work, and then Friday is quite light, usually a captain’s run to fine tune things before a game on the weekend.

To stay at my peak, I know it’s very cliché but it’s really all about doing the small things each day. So, eating well, getting enough sleep, staying on top of recovery and rehab, and checking in with the physios if anything’s not quite right. Those little habits make a big difference over the course of a long season.

Every athlete faces challenges – injuries, competition, pressure, a long and demanding season. How do you stay motivated and focused, including when things don’t go to plan?

For me, the motivation always comes from wanting to play to be out there in the big games and competing for trophies. That drive never really goes away. But yeah, it can be tough when you’re injured or not getting selected. In those times, I just try to focus on what I can control doing everything possible to get back on the pitch as quickly as I can. Staying positive is massive too. It can be a tough place mentally when you’re sidelined, but focusing on the end goal and keeping that belief helps you push through.

Rugby is evolving all the time – from fitness and recovery to player welfare and new styles of play. Have you noticed any interesting changes in how players prepare or how the game is played compared to a few years ago?

I haven’t noticed massive changes in how players prepare, everyone’s got their own routines and does what works for them. Some lads love watching loads of video, others prefer to focus more on feel and instinct. It’s all about finding the right balance for yourself. What’s definitely improved is how players look after their bodies. There’s more emphasis on recovery, rehab, and individual prep during the week to make sure you’re in the best possible shape for game day.

With NZ player Jordie Barrett in the squad since last season, and Rieko Ioane this season, what does that bring to the Leinster team?

Jordie brought a huge amount to the team in terms of experience and the quality he has as a player. He’s unbelievably talented, and has played and won at the very highest level, so there’s so much we could learn from him. Looking forward to meeting Rieko and picking his brain on how he sees the game and the way he might approach different situations could be pretty valuable. Both of them have been involved in big games and won big trophies, so having that kind of experience in the squad is massive.

Rugby is all about teamwork and trust. That’s something we value hugely at FOCUS Capital Partners too. What does great teamwork look like to you, both on and off the field?

For me, great teamwork shows up most when you’re not playing. If you’re not selected that week, it can be frustrating because naturally everyone wants to be out there. But the real test of a good teammate is how you show up in training to help prepare the lads who are playing. Putting your own disappointment aside and doing everything you can to make sure the team is ready, that’s what I would think real teamwork looks like.

Off the field, I have found it’s about getting to know each other properly. Maybe going for coffees, dinners, just spending time together. When you know the person beside you on a deeper level, you naturally play that bit harder for them on the pitch.

Outside rugby, what interests or hobbies help you unwind?

I love playing golf, that’s a big one for me. I’m also big into coffee, trying new restaurants and playing padel when I don’t have any matches. Pretty normal things really, but they help me switch off from rugby. I’ve also gotten into saunas and ice baths. There are loads of new spots popping up around Dublin, so I like checking those out too.

Finally, what’s next for you – in rugby, and beyond?

Last season I had a few injuries, so right now my focus is just on getting the body right, staying fit, and putting together consistent performances. That’s the main goal, just getting back out there and playing my best rugby.

Beyond that, I’m not totally sure yet what the future holds, but working with FOCUS Capital Partners has definitely opened my eyes to possibilities after rugby. Seeing how the company operates and learning from the people there has been really interesting. It’s giving me a chance to explore things that I think I might want to do down the line and who knows where that could lead. I’m also involved in a number of start-ups which has been a great experience so far and something that I will continue to learn from over the next few years before I hang up the boots!

Leadership, teamwork, and ambition are values that define both elite sport and successful business. Jordan Larmour continues to embody those qualities every time he steps on the field, and we’re delighted to have him as part of the FOCUS Capital Partners story as our brand ambassador.