Former Connacht player Colm Rigney has been appointed head coach of Galwegians next season, and he will be assisted by Connacht fullback Gavin Duffy.
The club has moved swiftly to finalise the new coaching set-up to replace Eamonn Molloy who has stepped down after his three-year tenure during which time Galwegians maintained their division one status.
Both coaches are highly regarded players. Rigney cut his coaching teeth last season, assisting Molloy as the forwards coach, while Duffy has enjoyed a long involvement with the city club, more recently coaching Galwegians’ u-21 side.
Rigney, well known in Connacht rugby and the youngest member of the legendary Rigney family, retired from professional rugby in 2009, having also played with Leeds Tykes with which he won a Powergen Cup medal in 2005. Prior to joining the coaching set-up last season, he was familiar with Galwegians, more as an adversary, when playing with Buccaneers.
Although a native of Ballina, Gavin Duffy joined Galwegians as a player in 2000 and remains contracted to Connacht Rugby. Having played at all levels in the game, including 10 Irish caps, which include the 2007 World Cup, Duffy has a wealth of experience at the top level. Considered unlucky not to have won more Irish caps, he made some 100 appearances for English premiership outfit Harlequins, winning a Challenge Cup medal.
Galwegians’ director of rugby, Mick Casserly, believes the club now has the coaching staff in place to improve on last season and attract quality players to Galwegians.
“We are 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 Ulster Bank League 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.”
