10 May 2005
Bath Rugby have signed the talented former Ireland Under 21 fly-half Andy Dunne from NEC Harlequins on a two-year contract deal.
Educated at Belvedere College in Dublin, Dunne received rave reviews when he first came onto the scene as a youngster with Irish provincial side Leinster Lions.
In the summer of 2003 he joined NEC Harlequins and made an immediate impact, scoring a stunning try against London Wasps which was nominated for the Zurich Premiership try of the season award. He also played an instrumental part in Harlequins Parker Pen Challenge Cup final victory over Montferrand, kicking the conversion which won the game. In total Andy made fifty six appearances for Quins and despite having game time limited this season due to breaking a bone in his foot during a Heineken Cup match against Munster, the young fly half has impressed, racking up a creditable 208 points in two seasons with the London club.
Andy will provide extra depth for Bath Rugby at fly-half, competing against Olly Barkley, Chris Malone and Ryan Davis for a starting berth in the pivotal position of fly half in first team. The 25 year old, who has played for Ireland at Under 19, Under 21 and at sevens level, is looking forward to challenging for a starting place within the first XV.
“My ambition is to breakthrough into the first team,” said Dunne today to www.bathrugby.com. “I realise that Chris Malone has been playing well for the last two seasons at fly half so competition for a starting place will be fierce. However, the club brought me in to provide competition at fly half and I feel that it can only be a positive factor for both me and for the club.
With that in mind, I am looking to make a positive impact at Bath Rugby and am excited about a new challenge within a club that has assembled a strong and ambitious playing squad headed by excellent coaches.”
Dunne is aware of the club’s history and even though he believes it will be hard to emulate past glories, he still thinks that Bath Rugby are more than capable of winning a trophy or two in the near future.
“Bath Rugby experienced unrivalled success during the 1980’s and 1990’s, and although it will be difficult to emulate such success as the Premiership is now much more competitive, I feel that I am joining a squad which has the ability to consistently challenge for honours and that is something that excites me.”
Director of Rugby Jack Rowell said that Andy will provide strong cover in the fly-half position, but is also capable of making the position his own next season.
“Andy is an extremely useful footballer who is able to run a game well and is also a quality place kicker,” said Rowell. “He joins Bath Rugby as experienced cover in the pivotal fly-half position. However Andy is an ambitious player and will be looking to establish himself as a first choice number ten at the club.”
Andy is Bath Rugby’s second signing for next season adding to the acquisition of former Leicester and Narbonne back row player Peter Short. Both players will join the club in time for pre-season training in early July.
DOB: 18/10/79
Height: 1.73m (5’8”)
Weight: 88kg (13st 12lbs)
Position: Fly-half
Representative Honours: Ireland U21s, Ireland U19s, Ireland Schools, Ireland 7’s |
