This week we profile Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ backrower Conor Canny.
Height: 6ft 2ins/ 188cm
Weight: 107kgs / 16st 8lbs
Position: Number 8/ Blindside flanker
Age: 27
Birthplace: Barking, Essex
Years in UAE: One
Honours: Irish Exiles U-18-U-20’s
Favourite childhood memory of rugby: Playing school rugby on waterlogged pitches all year round. It may sounds horrendous but they will always be fond memories of mine.
Favourite player growing up: Ronan O’Gara
Rugby team you support: Munster
Best international at the moment and why: Kieran Read – his ball carrying and ability to offload are unreal.
Kieran Read.
Rule you would change: I would change the points structure, reducing the points awarded for penalties to put more emphasis on scoring tries and a more open, expansive style of rugby.
Best game you ever saw: Ireland v England live at Croke Park in the 2007 Six Nations. I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like that at any other rugby game.
Toughest opponent in UAE (team or player): I enjoy the rivalry between the Quins and the Exiles. As for individuals I’m glad I’m on the same team as Willie Umu.
Most embarrassing moment in your UAE career: I had a bit of a howler against Hurricanes last season. It was my first start for the Quins so I was probably a little over-eager to impress, I made a huge shout to claim the first kick-off, leapt up to catch it only to take it square in the face, I’m pretty sure the ball ended up in their dead ball area and the lads constantly give me stick for it.
If you could be a professional in any other sport what it would be and why?: Golf. Getting paid to travel around the world playing golf sounds like a pretty sweet gig.
Favourite meal: Seafood Paella.
Favourite place in the UAE: Regrettably, McGettigans.