Darren joined the Cornish Pirates as an 'Academy' player in 2006 having played his youth rugby at Truro, joining the city club at the age of 12, and making progress through the juniors and colts set up.

He became a member of the South West of England Rugby Academy (SWERA) based at Truro, and he also gained selection to the England Colleges team in 2005 and 2006.

After making 27 appearances in total for the Cornish Pirates in 2008-9 he joined Gloucester in the summer of 2009.

He made good progress in his first season at Kingsholm and signed a new contract in spring 2010.

He made 11 appearances in total in 2010-11 including scoring a try in the LV= Cup Final win.

2011-12 saw him feature even more frequently at first team level and he signed a new contract with the club in the spring. 

Dukey continues to be regular in 2012-13, impressing with his work rate and ability in the tight.