Dolphin RFC Build For Season 2013/14

Dolphin RFC’s preparations for the upcoming Ulster Bank League season are well and truly underway at the Musgrave Park clubhouse.

Head Coach Steve Forde has strengthened his Division 1A squad with the inclusion of up and coming talent, including Munster Academy player Darren Sweetnam.

Sweetnam makes the move from UCC, joining his fellow Irish U20 Internationals Rory Scannell and Ryan Murphy who played with the club last season. Brian Scott (prop), a member of the Irish U20s 6 Nations squad also makes the switch from UCC.

John Fitzgerald, the number 8 who captained the Munster U20s in the 2012/13 Interprovincial campaign, has committed to the tutelage of his former school's coach at PBC, Steve Forde. Both Fitzgerald and Sweetnam played on the same Cork Minor Hurling team in 2011.

Dolphin have recruited another Crosshaven man in Killian O'Keeffe, the Irish U18 Clubs scrumhalf joining Eamon Mills and Academy player Darren O'Shea.

South African Steven Hansel (outhalf) who plays his rugby with West Cork club Skibbereen is a dual status addition to the club.

Out-going Munster player Christy Condon takes over the captaincy role from Munster development hooker Niall Scannell. A former Irish Club International also Condon is relishing the challenge saying “In the past number of seasons we have built a strong squad with a blend of talented young players and some more experience campaigners .This year we are looking to step up a level and compete for the Ulster Bank All Ireland League Title."

Dolphin Head Coach Steve Forde commented “We have a very competitive and professional environment in Dolphin for players to progress. Recently two of our players James Cronin and Cian Bohane made their debuts for Munster and we are delighted to offer players experience in the ever improving Ulster Bank League, and that acts as a springboard for our players to progress to the next level.

Two of our second rows John Madigan and Darren O’Shea were rewarded for their Ulster Bank League form with places in the Munster Academy as was Rory Scannell so that too is very positive for us in Dolphin as well as the League.

Playing AIL with Dolphin has been hugely beneficial in the past for guys like James Coughlan and Tomas O’Leary to gain experience and improve as players. It is great for Dolphin to bring young players through and with experienced players like Christy Condon, Barry Keeshan and Chris Rowe in the club we have a good blend of youth and experience.”

On the coaching front Dolphin have added former Irish U21 international Alan Hickey and ex Irish Women’s coach John O’Sullivan to their back-room team .