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Gavin Duffy new Connacht Captain


By Connacht Rugby
August 30 2011

Gavin Duffy has been selected as the new captain of Connacht Rugby.

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2011083082586/gavin-duffy-new-connacht-captain

The 29 year old Ballina native will lead the Province out for their 1st competitive fixture this weekend as Connacht take on Benetton Treviso in the Stadio Monigo on Saturday.

Duffy earned the 1st of his 10 Irish caps against South Africa in 2004 and played against Argentina in the 2007 World Cup. A former Mayo minor footballer, the 6’2, 95kg fullback has been ever present in the Connacht squad since his return to the Province in 2007 following a 4 year stint with NEC Harlequins.

Having played for Ireland at Schools, U21, 7’s and ‘A’, Gavin is 1 of a select few to earn 100 caps for Connacht and was part of Connacht’s 2010 Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final team that narrowly lost to Toulon in the Sportsground.

 

Gavin Duffy - Connacht Captain 2011-12

Speaking about the new role Gavin said:

“I’m delighted to be asked to captain the team for the year. Playing for your Province is a huge honour and to be asked to captain the side only adds to that. It is a very exciting time for Connacht at the moment, the launch of the new league, the Heineken Cup and the new developments at the Sportsground, being part of that team is very special.”

“There’s been huge support for Connacht in the last couple of years and this season, with the number of season tickets already sold, there should be a great buzz in the Sportsground.”

“It’s up to us now to put in the performances on the pitch and everyone’s looking forward to getting the league started this weekend”

Head Coach Eric Elwood, speaking about Gavin’s selection, said:

“Gavin is one of our most senior players and a great servant to the club; he has shown huge leadership both on and off the pitch and will captain the squad for the season ahead. John (Muldoon) has been a terrific captain for the last 3 years and will continue to lead by example but now it’s Gavin’s opportunity to lead the team.”

Pic (C) www.inpho.ie

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Gavin Duffy new Connacht Captain
Discussion started by Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged), 30/08/2011 12:14
Connacht Rugby Supporters
Connacht Rugby Supporters
30/08/2011 12:14
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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MESSAGES->author
Sea_point
30/08/2011 12:20
Great news, even if he is a Mayoman (Sm151).

Wish him every success this season, it should hopefully be a fabulous year for Connacht Rugby....

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I see the future, and it's Green again...http://www.planetrugby.com/Images/PlanetRugby/Team/64x64/b_33132.png

RonanL
RonanL
30/08/2011 12:40
I wonder how Mul feels about it?

MESSAGES->author
Sea_point
30/08/2011 13:00
Quote:
RonanL
I wonder how Mul feels about it?
After three seasonsat the helm and the injury problems last year he's probably quite relieved to hand over the responsibility and focus on his own game. Give him a few more games back and I think we'll see some savage performances from Mul in the HEC.
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I see the future, and it's Green again...http://www.planetrugby.com/Images/PlanetRugby/Team/64x64/b_33132.png

ummm,
ummm,
30/08/2011 13:07
G'wan Mayo!

Not a fan of FBs being captain to be honest, too far away from the ref.

And refs are also less likely to card flankers if they are captain, so Mul will have to be on his best behaviour now.

packie
packie
30/08/2011 13:15
A MAYO CAPTAIN!! the shame (Sm159) oh the shame of it all(Sm159)

ummm,
ummm,
30/08/2011 13:24
Pipe down Galway person. Real men, coming through, make way...

ummm,
ummm,
01/09/2011 08:48
Just wondering, while I think Duffer will do a good job and as a Mayo man I'm really happy for him, but could this be a way of making it clear Connacht rugby isn't Galway-only? Is it a bit of marketing?

packie
packie
01/09/2011 10:11
Quote:
ummm,
Just wondering, while I think Duffer will do a good job and as a Mayo man I'm really happy for him, but could this be a way of making it clear Connacht rugby isn't Galway-only? Is it a bit of marketing?

I wouldn't say so, from what I can tell EE would pick the best captain, in his opinion, no matter where he was from.

its a bonus that he is from Connacht of course,
can't bring myself to say the M word

RogueXV
RogueXV
01/09/2011 17:40
Who would people have besides Gavin? Positionally I agree fullback is not the ideal place for a captain, but as a player and individual he is a very good choice. Macca might be the only other one I would consider at the moment. Muldoon deserves a break from the responsibility for the reasons S_P pointed out and with JOC often used as an impact sub he's not on the pitch enough. All the senior players in the pack will aid Gavin over the season.

The IMF
The IMF
01/09/2011 18:07
Yeah you wonder if Macca's involvement in the pre world cup squad precluded his chances of being captain this year. Outside of that only Duffy really has his hand up. But agree FB is not a position you really want your captain in. Hope Rob gives us plenty of news about how he does on Saturday in his new roll. Can't wait to get it started now.

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