Ciaran Gaffney
Ciaran Gaffney is a former rugby union player from Ireland. He played as a fullback or on the wing, and also played at centre in his youth career. Gaffney last played for Italian side Zebre in the Pro14, having come through the academy of Irish side Connacht.
Born in Dublin, Gaffney was educated in the Bish in Galway and the Cistercian College in Roscrea and also studied at NUI Galway. He represented Ireland in under-age rugby, playing up to under-20 level. A serious back and neck injury sustained while playing for Zebre against his old side Connacht at the Galway Sportsgrounds ended his playing career at the age of 23.
Early life
Gaffney was born in Dublin, and grew up in Galway. He went to school in the St Joseph's Patrician College in the city for his Junior Certificate, and moved to the Cistercian College in Roscrea for his fifth and sixth year. Gaffney returned to his home city for his third level education, studying commerce and French at NUI Galway.Gaffney began playing rugby at the age of four, when he joined Galwegians. He was a frequent attendee of Connacht games, serving as a ball boy until the age of 13. Gaffney played rugby in school, playing for the Bish in the Connacht Junior Schools Cup and Cistercian College in the Leinster Senior Schools Cup. In addition to rugby, Gaffney played Gaelic football growing up. He played for Salthill-Knocknacarra and Galway up to minor level.
Club career
Connacht
Gaffney played for Connacht at youth level from under-14 grade up. He was signed to the Connacht academy ahead of the 2014–15 season. He played for the province's second tier side, the Connacht Eagles, in his first two seasons. Gaffney made his debut for the senior team in November 2016, while still part of the academy, when he came on as a replacement in a Pro12 game against Irish rivals Ulster. He made his second appearance in January 2017. At the end of the season however, Gaffney did not sign a senior contract. Instead, on the advice of Connacht academy head Nigel Carolan, he headed to New Zealand.Zingari-Richmond
After arriving in New Zealand, Gaffney began playing for amateur side Zingari-Richmond in the Dunedin Premier. He was invited to Dunedin by Otago head coach Cory Brown, a former elite player development officer for Connacht. The move was made with a view to Gaffney potentially playing for the provincial team and during his time in the country he was part of Otago's wider training squad.Zebre
In August 2017, Gaffney signed for Italian Pro14 side Zebre. The team's head coach Michael Bradley had previously been head coach of Connacht. Gaffney made his debut for the team on 2 September 2017 against the Ospreys. He made his European debut on 13 October 2017 in a Challenge Cup game against Agen. His first try for Zebre came in a Challenge Cup game against Gloucester.In February 2018, Gaffney was injured seriously playing against his former team, Connacht. He suffered a ruptured disk and dislocated his neck and was rushed to hospital where he was kept immobile for three days before surgery could be performed. Gaffney was ultimately forced to retire from rugby as a result of the injury, having played 18 games for Zebre.