Sweetnam in action against Sale Sharks

Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam, pictured, will play his second game of rugby within a week tonight.

The 19-year-old figured for Munster U20s in a friendly against Italy at Cork’s Musgrave Park last Tuesday and will play tonight against Sale Sharks.

“We haven’t yet finalised the team for Monday night, but Darren will definitely be playing in the match,” said Munster U20 head coach Greig Oliver on the highly-versatile Dunmanway player.

“For somebody who had been out of rugby for so long, Darren certainly acquitted himself very well against Italy.

“Earlier this year, I had a chat with Darren and his Dad, and we agreed that Darren would try to combine the two sports [hurling and rugby] and see how it goes from there.”

Following the Sale Sharks tie, Oliver, assistant to Ireland U20 head coach Mike Ruddock, is hoping Sweetnam will be available to line out in the three U20 interprovincial fixtures next month.