Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Munster Add Sweetnam To Academy Ranks

An increased level of co-ordination, communications and promotion of Women's and Girls rugby across all Six Nations was agreed at the conclusion of the inaugural RBS 6 Nations - Growing the Women's Game Conference' on Thursday at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Fergus McFadden, who helped to launch the Ulster Bank League awards in Dublin, spoke afterwards about his recovery from a fractured hand, previewed Leinster's back-to-back games against Northampton Saints and reflected on his involvement in the GUINNESS Series with Ireland.

Munster have confirmed that young full-back Darren Sweetnam, who played during the recent IRFU Under-20 Interprovincial Championship, has accepted an Academy contract with the province.

Darren Sweetnam, who played for the Cork senior hurlers in this year's Allianz League and Munster and All-Ireland Championships, was the starting full-back for the Munster Under-20s this season.

The 19-year-old scored a try in Munster's 21-14 victory over defending champions Connacht last month in the IRFU U-20 Interpros, and also wore the number 15 jersey for their games against Leinster and Ulster.

The Bandon Grammar School star had already represented Munster at Under-18 and Under-19 levels, and was capped as a Irish hockey international at the Under-16 grade.

Sweetnam is understood to have informed his GAA club, Doheny's, and Cork hurling officials about his decision over the weekend.

Cork senior hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy said: "Darren is a very talented hurler and while we are sorry to lose him, we wish him every success in his chosen career."