Duffy and Rigney to take over coaching roles at Galwegians

Date Published: {J}

GALWEGIANS have been given a major boost with the appointment of both Colm Rigney and Gavin Duffy as club coaches for the coming season 2011/12.

The club, who play in the Ulster Bank League Division 1B, have moved quickly to replace Eamonn Molloy who is stepping down after a successful three year term.

Rigney, a native of Portlaoise and from a well known rugby family, has been a professional with both Connacht and Leeds Tykes, where he won a Powergen Cup medal in 2005 and will assume the mantle of Head Coach.

Duffy, a native of Ballina and educated at Cistercian College Roscrea, joined Galwegians as a player in 2000 before moving on to professional rugby. He has played with both Harlequins and Connacht and has been an Irish squad member since 2004, winning 10 Irish International caps, including an appearance at the 2007 World Cup.

Commenting on the appointments, Galwegians Director of Rugby Mick Casserly said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of both Colm and Gavin for the coming season and hopefully beyond.

“We have an excellent balance given Colm and Gavin’s experience, having both played at the highest level. With the new changes regarding contracted players and 18 UBL games this coming season, we hope to continue producing more of our own home-grown players in addition to furthering the careers of players who may join.

“We believe we have the coaching staff in place now to improve on last season and attract quality players to Galwegians.”

The club recently retained their First Division status for the 11th successive season