Two-year Munster deal for Hurley

ONE of Munster’s brightest young stars, Darragh Hurley, has accepted a two-year full-time contract.

Hurley is amongst a group of six players who have come through the Academy and who will be named at different levels in the Munster squad for next season’s action.

He is also in the frame for one of the upcoming inaugural Munster Rugby awards, sponsored by the Irish Examiner.

All six — Hurley, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley, Tim Ryan, Mark Melbourne and Tom Gleeson — have played in the Magners League this season, with prop Hurley also getting Heineken Cup experience.

One of the stars of Ireland’s recent U20 Grand Slam winning team, Keith Earls has been upgraded from an Academy contract since January 1. Both Hurley and Ryan have both agreed development contracts while Melbourne and Gleeson have been offered similar development contracts and are expected to accept the terms.

Ten of the current Academy members have represented Munster at Senior level in the Magners League. The current crop come with distinguished pedigrees; all have previously represented Ireland at various levels from Schools, Youth, Under 19’s and Under 21 level.

Munster Rugby Academy Manager Hamish Adams said: “It’s fantastic that these players have developed from Academy to development contracts, but the real challenge ahead is to establish themselves as full contracted regulars in the Magners and Heineken Cup competitions.”

All of these players will be in line for accolades at the Munster Rugby Awards ceremony in association with the Irish Examiner on Saturday, April 28 at Silver Springs Moran Hotel.

The Munster Academy has been formed for less than three years but has quickly evolved into a hugely successful training ground for young talent.

According to Munster CEO, Garrett Fitzgerald, it gives Munster Rugby direct influence over its next generation of professionals.

Fitzgerald also praised the Irish Examiner for their sponsorship, saying: “We are delighted to have them on board, as their sports coverage has greatly contributed to raising the profile of the sport.

“We envisage that the Munster Rugby Awards will be an annual event. They are essentially aimed at recognising the contribution of volunteers, clubs and schools in promoting the sport, as well as the excellence of our players and referees,” he added.

The aim of the Academy is to provide players with the skills, discipline, knowledge and attitude needed to succeed at Celtic League and Heineken Cup level, and the National team.

The Academy also provides support and guidance to young players to achieve the qualifications and experience necessary for life beyond professional rugby. It operates on a three year cycle with a maximum of seven places per year.

The Munster Rugby Academy Player of the Year was presented with the John McCarthy Award for Excellence, which recognises exceptional commitment and dedication within the Munster Rugby Academy.

Munster players Tomas O’Leary and Ross Noonan are past winners.

Players to graduate from the National Academy programme include, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Frankie Sheahan, Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Marcus Horan and Anthony Foley to name but a few.

All proceeds from the gala night will go towards the funding of the Munster Rugby Academy. Tables of ten for the prize giving ceremony can be purchased from Michael O’Brien on (087-2129999) or contact Munster Rugby offices, Musgrave Park on 021-4323563.