A natural footballer, talented fielder and a very good reader of the game, GAVIN DUFFY has been in and out of Ireland squads since making his debut five years ago.

Educated at Cistercian College in Roscrea, his development continued with Ireland Schools, Under-21, Sevens and 'A' caps. The Ballina man scored a try on his RBS 6 Nations debut against Scotland in 2005 and scored a brace against Japan later that year.

He has enjoyed two spells with his native Connacht, with a long, European Challenge Cup-winning stint with Harlequins in between. Can play at full-back or centre or on the wing and was the only Connacht player included in Ireland's 2007 World Cup panel.

This season has been one of his best for the westerners, with him maintaining a high level of performance in the Magners League and Challenge Cup.