The 30-year-old former Harlequins man is now tied to the Sportsground club until at least 2014, handing the Irish side a massive boost.

The 10-cap Ireland international is happy and settled in Galway and had no hesitation in signing a new two-year contract.

"Staying with Connacht means a huge amount to me, as a team we have become a really tight-knit group this season and that is only going to get better next season as we add even more quality to the side," Duffy told the club's official website.

"Staying at the Sportsground, and the security a two-year deal brings, means I can concentrate on my own game, getting the best out of the people around me and driving Connacht forward.

"Staying in Ireland also means that I'm still available for national selection and winning more Irish caps is always a goal of mine.

"Bringing up a young family in Galway is great and my wife and five month old daughter are very happy here so I'm delighted to be able to commit to Connacht for the next two seasons."

Delighted

Head coach Eric Elwood was naturally delighted Duffy decided to stay, adding: "I'm delighted that Gavin is here to stay.

"We all know he's very proud of where he comes from and it was a great honour for him to lead his team this year in our first ever Heineken Cup.

"We've enjoyed the highs and lows of this season and we're looking to finish on an up and getting news like this is great for the squad going forward into next year."

However, one player who will not be at the Sportsground next season is Samoan Ofisa, who will leave six years after joining from North Otago in New Zealand.

Tribute

"I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work, commitment and respect that Ray has shown throughout his six years here at Connacht," Elwood said.

"He is one of the quietest men in the squad but once he crosses the whitewash he can turn a match in a flash with a moment of brilliance. In his time here he has really bought into the ethos of everything we are about and I know Ray considers Connacht a family away from home.

"It's a credit to the man and his strength of character that even now he is finishing the season on a high and on behalf of myself, the management, the players and all our supporters I would like to wish Ray every success for the future."

Connacht have also confirmed Henry Fa'afili, Dermot Murphy, Dylan Rogers, Jamie Stephens, Brian Tuohy have not been offered new contracts for the 2012/13 season.