David Heffernan

Dave Heffernan (born 31 January 1991) is a rugby union player from Ireland. As of 2024, he plays for Irish provincial side Connacht in the Pro14. Heffernan started his career playing as a flanker, before moving to the position of hooker. He plays his club rugby for Buccaneers. Heffernan has represented the Ireland U20 team. He played Gaelic football for Ballina Stephenites while growing up, with his father Ivan a former inter-county player who won All-Ireland titles with Mayo and UCD. His uncle Niall also played for Mayo, managed Ballina Stephenites to several Mayo Senior Football Championship titles and managed the Mayo under-20 football team.

Career Connacht The County Mayo native went to school in Blackrock College before playing with Connacht at Under-19 and Under-20 level. Heffernan joined the Connacht Academy in 2011. Heffernan had played in the 2011–12 Pro12, making his first start against Scarlets on 2 March 2012, while still an academy player. He played as a blindside flanker, and stayed on the field for the full 80 minutes. After having spent two years in the Connacht Academy, Heffernan progressed to the full senior set-up, ahead of the 2013–14 Pro12 season. He made his first senior appearance in his new position on 26 October 2013, coming on as a replacement for Seán Henry against Leinster. In total, Heffernan made 12 appearances in the 2013–14 league, 11 of these coming from the bench. In April 2014, Heffernan signed a contract extension with Connacht to keep him with the side until the end of the 2014–15 season.

International Internationally, Heffernan has represented Ireland at Under-20 level. He played against France in the 2011 Six Nations Under 20s Championship, starting at blindside flanker.