From rugby to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Meet the 'Dunk the Tall' actor and just how tall is he?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest prequel set in the world of Game of Thrones, has made its debut on HBO. The series follows Ser Duncan the Tall—better known as Dunk—a wandering knight with no lands, no title, and no powerful house behind him.

Set nearly a century before Game of Thrones and roughly 70 years after House of the Dragon, the show adapts Tales of Dunk and Egg by George R. R. Martin. At its core is the unlikely partnership between Dunk and his sharp-witted young squire, Egg, as they drift from tourney to tourney in search of coin, purpose, and honour.

Dunk the Tall, on screen

Dunk is played by Irish actor and former professional rugby player Peter Claffey*. A complete newcomer by Westerosi standards, Claffey brings a physical presence that instantly explains the character’s nickname. He stands around 6 feet 5 inches (1.95 metres), towering over most of the cast—an advantage for a role defined as much by size as by moral backbone.

Claffey has spoken openly about how his height once made him feel awkward rather than confident. Growing up, he says, his build often set him apart, even attracting bullying, reported Irish Mirror. "I was sort of weird-looking; wobbly; uncoordinated," he was quoted as saying.

From rugby pitch to television
Before acting, Claffey was a lock forward in Irish rugby, representing Galwegians RFC and the Ireland Under-20s side during the 2016 Six Nations campaign. Despite stints with Connacht Rugby and Terenure College, a breakthrough at senior level never arrived. That uncertainty eventually nudged him toward a different path.

While building a modest following online through comedy sketches, Claffey enrolled at Dublin’s Bow Street Academy. His stage debut came in 2022, followed by television and film roles in Harry Wild, Bad Sisters, Vikings: Valhalla, and Small Things Like These. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms marks his most prominent role to date.

Landing the part, however, wasn’t easy emotionally. According to reports, Claffey has admitted the weight of the Game of Thrones legacy triggered intense anxiety, even moments of panic. Since then, he says, he has focused on mental well-being and feels healthier and happier than during his sporting career.

What is a hedge knight?
Dunk is described as a hedge knight—someone who has been knighted but owns no land and serves no lord. Unlike their well-connected counterparts, hedge knights roam the Seven Kingdoms looking for short-term work, often sleeping outdoors and living off tournament winnings or temporary contracts.
Their reputation is mixed. Some are honourable but poor; others are little more than armed drifters. In the series, the term is sometimes used dismissively. Dunk, however, is determined to prove that honour doesn’t depend on birth, wealth, or banners.