Rebels to open campaign without sponsor

Cork will open their pre-season campaign this weekend without a sponsor.

The Rebels open the defence of their McGrath Cup title against Cork IT on Sunday wearing last season’s jerseys bearing the O2 logo — though the agreement between the board and the telecommunications giant ended last month. Cork also intend debuting their new jersey at Croke Park next month when they face Dublin. A number of insurance companies as well as a major car manufacturer have been linked with the space.

The county board last month expressed regret they had missed out on the lucrative Christmas market. Chairman Bob Ryan said: “There is no doubt that we would have liked to have had a new jersey out before Christmas.”