Dolphin head coach Steve Ford has added some rising young stars to his playing panel for next season with the announcement that Ireland Under-20 international Darren Sweetnam will link up with the club.
Darren Sweetnam joins fellow Ireland Under-20 internationals Rory Scannell and Ryan Murphy as well as last season’s Ireland U-20 captain Niall Scannell at Dolphin RFC ahead of the new season.
Former Munster U-20 skipper John Fitzgerald is also signed up – reuniting him with Steve Ford, his coach at PBC – and Sweetnam, with whom he played minor hurling for Cork.
Brian Scott, Ireland U-20 prop, returns to the club where his father Philip was club captain in the 1990s under Declan Kidney.
Former Crosshaven player Killian O’Keeffe, who played at scrum half for the Ireland U-18 Clubs team in 2012, will link up with fellow Crosshaven men Darren O’Shea and Eamon Mills.
Steve Hansel, an out-half-cum-centre who this year played his rugby with west Cork side Skibbereen, links up with Dolphin as a dual status player .
Dolphin head coach Steve Ford commented: “We have a very competitive and professional environment in Dolphin for players to progress.
“Two of our players, James Cronin and Cian Bohane, made their debuts for Munster and we are delighted to offer players experience in Ulster Bank League and act as a springboard for our players to progress to the next level.
“Two of our second rows, John Madigan and Darren O’Shea, were rewarded for their Ulster Bank League form with with places in the Munster Academy as was Rory Scannell so that too is very positive for us in Dolphin as well as the league.”
He added: “Playing with Dolphin has been hugely beneficial in the past for guys like James Coughlan and Tomas O’Leary to gain experience and improve as players.
“It is great for Dolphin to bring young players through and with experienced players like Christy Condon, Barry Keeshan and Chris Rowe, we have a good blend of youth and experience.”
Two players who will not be togging out for Dolphin next season are Danny Barnes and John Quill. Both depart to play in the English Premiership.
Barnes is due to link up with recently promoted Newcastle Falcons, while USA international Quill hopes to join London Irish after his USA Eagles commitments this summer.
Christy Condon, who last season was contracted to Munster, succeeds Niall Scannell as club captain, An Ireland Club international front rower, Condon is relishing the challenge.
“In the past number of seasons we have built a strong squad with a blend of talented young players and some more experience campaigners. This year we are looking to step up a level and compete for the Ulster Bank League title,” explained Condon.
On the coaching front, Dolphin have added former Irish Under-21 international Alan Hickey and ex-Ireland Women’s head coach John O’Sullivan to their backroom team.
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