Duffey was named Nottingham's player of the season

Nottingham director of rugby Glenn Delaney believes Leicester-bound New Zealand-born hooker Joe Duffey could win international honours for England.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay of the Green & Whites' front row for five years and helped them finish fourth in National One last season.

Delaney told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Joe has the ability and the temperament to play for England."

"He is a high-end performer and I think he will surprise a lot of people."

Duffey has been a consistent performer during his time at Nottingham, playing 120 consecutive games and also winning the club's player of the season award this term.

He's a local lad done good in my book and I can't wait to see him play in the Premiership Glenn Delaney

Delaney expects him to shine in the top flight of English rugby: "It's down to him as to how he settles in to Leicester. Once he settles down I'm sure we'll see some exciting things from him.

"We all look at him with a lot of pride - he's almost a local lad. Although he's from New Zealand originally he's been in Nottingham for five years and calls this home.

"He's a local lad done good in my book and I can't wait to see him play in the Premiership."

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