Gavin Duffy has been announced as the captain of Connacht Rugby for the 2011/12 season.

The experienced Ireland centre, who lifted the Amlin Challenge Cup with Harlequins in 2004 will lead the Irish Province as they embark on their first season in the Heineken Cup.

Connacht’s first match in Europe this season is against Harlequins at the Stoop on Friday November 11 before they welcome former Champions Toulouse to Galway the following the weekend.

And Duffy is looking forward to the challenge of leading the side.

“I’m delighted to be asked to captain the team for the year. Playing for your Province is a huge honour and to be asked to captain the side only adds to that. It is a very exciting time for Connacht at the moment, the launch of the new league, the Heineken Cup and the new developments at the Sportsground, being part of that team is very special,” he said.

“There’s been huge support for Connacht in the last couple of years and this season, with the number of season tickets already sold, there should be a great buzz in the Sportsground.”

“It’s up to us now to put in the performances on the pitch and everyone’s looking forward to getting the league started this weekend.”