James Downey

James Downey (born 23 March 1981) is a former Irish rugby union player. He played as a centre. In May 2016, Downey announced his retirement from rugby. Early life Downey was educated at Belvedere College, where he won the Leinster Schools Junior Cup. Leinster Downey made his debut for his home province on 10 October 2003, against Cardiff Blues. He scored his first try for Leinster on 2 April 2004 against Glasgow Warriors. Downey left the province to join Connacht for the start of the 2004–05 season. Connacht Downey struggled to gain game time at Connacht due to injuries, managing only three games during the 2005–06 season, and was released from his contract.