Duffy excited by move to the ‘real’ world with Connacht role

Former Connacht Rugby captain and current Mayo footballer, Gavin Duffy, is returning to the province to take up a new role in the commercial department.

Duffy, who retired from rugby at the end of the season, has been appointed as a senior development executive within Connacht Rugby’s commercial and marketing department on a full-time basis starting in July.

Currently playing with football with Mayo, Duffy says the appointment is his “dream job”, enabling him to continue to have a role in his home province, having ended his playing career.

With a commerce degree from NUI Galway and a BA in strength and conditioning from Setanta College, Duffy says he wants to be a part of the club’s future and “to help it go from strength to strength”.

“Connacht is where I’m from and I’ve often spoken about the pride I felt playing for my home province. It’s the same now that I’ve finished playing,” he said.

“Being a professional player for so many years and in a club that has seen massive change in recent times, I have seen how crucial the off-field work is to the whole organisation. Having studied commerce, I’ve always taken an interest in the commercial side of things and enjoyed getting to know our sponsors and stakeholders who do so much in terms of helping the club to grow.

“There were other offers out there, but I had to weigh up my options, taking into account my family and where we wanted to be. But it wasn’t a difficult decision when it came to taking this opportunity. It’s definitely going to be a new challenge for me moving into the ‘real’ working world but I’m excited by it.”

The 32-year-old will be charged with driving new business with local, regional and national enterprise, as well as continually developing and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders domestically and abroad.

Coming after the appointment of CEO Willie Ruane, another Ballina native, head of commercial and marketing Alex Saul says Duffy’s appointment is a huge boost for the province.

“It is fantastic news for Connacht Rugby and the commercial team is greatly strengthened by this exciting addition. Gavin is one of Connacht’s greatest ambassadors and has always demonstrated he has the skills and self-awareness to lead. He will bring great insight and energy to the role as well as his outstanding leadership qualities from his playing career.

“Gavin has the drive and ambition to be a part of what we are doing here and I can’t think of anyone better to help us shape our off-field efforts going forward. His deep knowledge of the sport and the industry, combined with his commerce studies, as well as his tremendous passion for the club, leave us in no doubt that he will make this role a success.”