| Gavin Duffy Player Profile | |||||
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  Duffy in action against London Irish at the Sportsground last weekend. Photo: INPHO/James Crombie Gavin Duffy, now in his second stint with Connacht, began playing for the Western Province in 2001 having represented them for several years at underage level. In fact, to the detriment of many a Mayo supporter, their county could well have won that coveted All Ireland Football Final by now, were it not for the 27 year old choosing a career in rugby over gaelic football. Duffy bagan playing rugby and football from the age of seven for Ballina. In football he represented Ballina Stephenites and won several county championships at underage level which led to playing for the Mayo U16's and Minors in 1998 and 1999. Over the course of this period his rugby skills were also being recognised and he was selected to represent Ireland at Schools level. He also represented Leinster at Schools level having played for Blackrock for two years and Captained the Ireland Schools on their tour of Australia in 2000. He turned professional with Connacht in 2001 and after two seasons with the club joined Harlequins in the English Premiership, winning the Parker Pen European Challenge Cup alongside current Connacht players Mel Deane and Andy Dunne in 2004. Duffy's talents weren't going unnoticed at national level either and he made his irish debut against South Africa in June 2004 and scored against Scotland in the Six Nations the following year. Duffy then rejoined Connacht in 2006 and hasn't looked back since. He is one of the provinces most consistent performers and has played in all of Connacht games to date this season. |
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 October 2008 15:01 ) |  |
