Duffy ready to realise World Cup dream

IF versatility was one of the buzzwords used by coaches this week in the context of picking a 30-man squad for the World Cup, then Gavin Duffy’s ability to play at 10, centre, wing or full back marks him out as shoo-in for next month’s tournament in France.

At the turn of the New Year, both his club and international future looked bleak. Fleeting appearances for Harlequins under Dean Richards, he felt, weren’t going to help his chances of a World Cup call-up. When Connacht set about rebuilding for the coming season, Duffy — along with Johnny O’Connor and Mel Deane — were their targets and three former sons of Connacht came west.

Returning home saw Duffy set new targets, and his bullseye was Argentina. Five Magners League games with Michael Bradley’s side ensured recognition amongst the Ireland management and call-up for the summer tour to Argentina, where the 25-year-old was one of the few success stories during a 2-0 series loss. His adaptability along the back line was recognised from a young age, and in South America he shone both at full back and inside centre.