Andy Searching For Dunne Deal
Former Ireland Under-21 international Andy Dunne is to pursue a contract with one of the provinces after cutting ties with Guinness Premiership club Bath.
…Andy Dunne in action for Leinster in 2002…
Former Ireland Under-21 international Andy Dunne is to pursue a contract with one of the provinces after cutting ties with Guinness Premiership club Bath.
The 26-year-old out-half made only four starts for Bath during the recent season, scoring 20 points, with Olly Barkley and Chris Malone being preferred in the number 10 jersey.
Educated at Belvedere College and UCD, Dunne had a successful spell with Leinster before a series of injuries hampered his first team opportunities with the province. He left for NEC Harlequins in the summer of 2003 and impressed during his two-year stint with the London club, the highlight of which was his match-winning penalty against Montferrand in the 2004 Parker Pen Challenge Cup final.
He signed for Bath in May of last year, but has decided to to end his stay at the Rec, halfway through a two-year contract, in order to seek further opportunities back home.
Capped for Ireland at Schools, U-19, U-21 and Sevens level, Dunne said: “I’ve enjoyed the year at Bath and am sad to be leaving but I was disappointed not to get more first team opportunities. But I still feel that I’ve learnt a lot and made some good friends. I’m determined now to secure a contract in Ireland.”
Bath Rugby Chief Executive Bob Calleja added: “We would like to thank Andy for his contribution to the club. Despite the competition for places, Andy has stepped up on a number of occasions. We understand his desire to return to Ireland, and wish him well.”