Darren Sweetnam signs up with Munster Rugby

Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam has signed a professional contract with Munster Rugby.

The 19-year-old midfielder played in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship for Cork this summer, including a 25-minute appearance off the bench in their semi-final defeat to Galway.

Sweetnam's rugby career continued alongside his hurling, and he was the full-back on the Munster under-20s team this year.

In a Cork GAA statement, hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy said: "Darren is a very talented hurler, and while we are sorry to lose him, we wish him every success in his chosen career."

The statement added: “Cork County Board would also like to acknowledge Darren's contribution to Cork GAA to date and to wish him well in his new role.”