Hartes hot property as they earn lucrative call to Hockey India League

Ireland goalkeeper David Harte’s reputation has been further enhanced after he was unveiled as the eighth most expensive player in the Hockey India League.

The Ballinspittle, Cork native was bought at auction by Dabang Mumbai for the competition’s third edition, and will earn $51,000 (around €40,700) for his month’s work, starting in late January. He will be joined in Mumbai by twin brother and fellow Irish international Conor, who becomes the second Irish player to feature in the HIL, having been signed up for $10,000 (€8,000).

Similar to cricket’s Indian Premier League, the HIL features six franchises who buy top players from around the globe for a four-week competition.

David was the first Irish player to feature in the HIL when bought by Mumbai Magicians for €8,800 last season. That he returns with such an inflated price tag reflects his performances last term as well as his club form for Holland’s SV Kampong, and for Ireland.

David tweeted: “Amazing feeling being bought for the @HockeyIndiaLeag, going back to my favourite city Mumbai but this time with @ConorHarte27 #HIL #Dabang.”

Conor, also an Irish international who plays at the centre of defence, plies his trade with Racing Brussels in Belgium, but Dabang will be the eighth team the twins have played together with.

Having began their careers as schoolboys in Bandon Grammar, they have also previously lined out for Cork Harlequins, Pembroke Wanderers, Dutch side SCHC, Munster, Ireland and DCU. The Harte brothers will have the HIL’s most expensive player as a team-mate. Belgian star Tom Boon, of Bloemendaal in the Netherlands, was bought by Dabang Mumbai for $103,000 (€82,300).