Hugh Duffy (rugby)
Hugh Duffy | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Shotts, North Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | December 30, 2017 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby union and rugby league footballer |
| Years active | 1950s–1960s |
| Known for | Representing Scotland in rugby union; playing for Salford and Halifax in rugby league |
Hugh Duffy (1 April 1934 – 30 December 2017) was a Scottish athlete who competed in both rugby union and professional rugby league during the 1950s and 1960s. He represented the Scotland national rugby union team once, participating in a Five Nations encounter against France. At the club level, Duffy played as a flanker for Jed Thistle and Jed-Forest RFC. Upon switching codes to rugby league, he took on the role of forward with Salford and Halifax. Notably, he was among the early Scottish rugby union internationals to make the transition to rugby league.
Background
Born in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, Hugh Duffy and his wife Irene (née Gregory) managed the 'Star Inn' located at Broughton Road/Garden Street in Greengate, Salford, which has since been demolished. He passed away at the age of 83. His funeral service was conducted at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church on Woodford Lane, Winsford, followed by burial at Wharton Cemetery.
International honours
While representing Jed-Forest RFC, Duffy gained a cap for Scotland in 1955, competing against France in Paris.
Championship final appearances
Duffy was an unused substitute during Halifax's 15–7 victory over St. Helens in the 1964–65 Championship Final. The following season, he appeared as a substitute in Halifax’s 12–35 defeat by St. Helens in the 1965–66 final held at Station Road, Swinton.
County Cup Final appearances
He contributed to Halifax’s 10–0 triumph against Featherstone Rovers in the 1963 Yorkshire Cup Final at Belle Vue, Wakefield.
Notable tour matches
Duffy played for Salford during their 5–21 loss to the New Zealand national side at The Willows in 1955, marking Salford’s first match broadcast on television. Additionally, he featured in a narrow 20–22 defeat to Australia during the 1959–60 Kangaroo tour, an event that attracted an audience of approximately 11,000.
Club career
In December 1954, Duffy trialed under the alias 'McDonald' for Salford in a match against Oldham. After turning down proposals from Huddersfield and Oldham, he signed with Salford and made his debut facing Liverpool City in February 1955. His sole goal for Salford came in a 1962 game versus Blackpool Borough. Subsequently, he moved to Halifax as part of a deal involving player Ernie Critchley plus £600 (around £24,830 in 2016 currency).