Staunton began his rugby career with his local team Galbally RFC in County Limerick, Ireland.

Later, he played for Garryowen Football Club in the All-Ireland League before earning a contract with Munster in 1999, at the age of 19.

[2] He then joined Leicester in the summer of 2009 where he proved a very successful signing and helped to win two further Aviva Premiership titles for the club, playing in the 2010 final,[3] as well as the LV Cup in March 2012 shortly before his retirement.

[4] Staunton earned his first Irish cap on 11 November 2001 against Samoa, scoring a try on his debut international appearance.

In June 2007, prior to the Rugby World Cup, he started at Fly-half for Ireland on their tour of Argentina.