Duffy goes back to his roots

Never mind FA Cup sensations, Arsenal versus Chelsea in the Champions League, England beating West Indies in the Caribbean for the first time in 36 years, the Grand National, the US Masters or the state of the Beckham marriage.

In Gavin Duffy's world, no sporting event of this exhilarating April comes close to Harlequins v Connacht in the Parker Pen Cup semi-final.

The first leg is at the Stoop on Sunday, with the return match in Galway a fortnight later. Duffy, the exciting Harlequins full-back, hails from the Irish province of Connacht.

"This is the biggest game in Connacht's history," said the 22-yearold, who played for the province and the Galwegians club until moving to Quins last summer. "It is also a huge occasion for me, and for Harlequins."

Family and friends have done their best to whip up Duffy's excitement at the prospect of facing his old teammates, with a European final - and automatic entry into next season's Heineken Cup - at stake.

"At the moment my father and at least 20 other family and friends are coming over for Sunday's game," Duffy said. "And when we get back to Galway for the second leg . . . well, that will be something else."

Duffy has enjoyed a successful debut season in the Zurich Premiership, with Quins fans quick to recognise his strong running and safe hands under the high ball.

"I am trying to be more consistent in my play, especially with my kicking from hand and the timing of when to come into the line in attack," he said. "I feel I can up my performances a little bit before the end of the season."

Duffy chose to join Harlequins largely because of Will Greenwood and coach John Kingston.

"Will's mind is so sharp - he sees things so quickly and I've learned so much from him already," said Duffy.

"Knowing John from when he was coach at Galwegians has really helped me settle in, as has the presence here of other Irish players Mel Deane, Andy Dunne, Simon Keogh and Paul Burke."