Ireland have named their squad for the forthcoming U20 6 Nations Championship.
Head Coach Noel McNamara has named a 40-man squad that should generate plenty of interest across the Irish Sea, with a number of players in the backline familiar to English readers.
Former England U18, Bristol and SGS Filton College flyer Iwan Hughes, now at Ulster, is included in the squad, along with Aaron O’Sullivan the former Henley College pupil.
Also in the squad in current Saracens Academy centre Oli Morris, the former New Hall star has also appeared for England U18.
Keeping the attention on the backline, the squad is captained by Old Belvedrere’s David Hawkshaw, while his vice captains are scrum half Craig Casey and second row Charlie Ryan.
Ryan is one of five players in the squad to have featured in last year’s U20 6 Nations and World Rugby U20 Championships, alongside hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin, fly half Harry Byrne, and wing pair Angus Kernohan and James McCarthy.
Speaking to www.irishrugby.ie Head Coach McNamara said of his squad:
“It’s always an exciting time when the Six Nations comes around and things have been building well since before Christmas. We had two good run outs against Leinster and Munster Development sides where the players had the opportunity to put their hands up for selection for this squad.”
“There’s a lot of talent in the playing group, and we’re looking forward to seeing these young men run out in the green jersey over the coming weeks. We also have a new home this season in Irish Independent Park, which is a great venue and I’m sure there will be a superb atmosphere when we welcome England and France under lights on Friday evenings.”
Ireland U20 6 Nations Squad
Forwards:
Azur Allison (Ballymena RFC/Ulster), Ryan Baird (Dublin University FC/Leinster), Tom Clarkson (Dublin University FC/Leinster), Giuseppe Coyne (Dublin University FC/Leinster), Brian Deeney (Clontarf FC/Leinster), John Hodnett (UCC RFC/Munster), Paddy Kelly (Young Munster RFC/Munster), Ryan Lomas (Galwegians RFC/Connacht), Luke Masters (Shannon RFC/Munster), David McCann (Banbridge RFC/Ulster), JJ McKee (Ballymena RFC/Ulster), John McKee (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Michael Milne (UCD RFC/Leinster), Martin Moloney (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Niall Murray (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht), Scott Penny (UCD RFC/Leinster), Charlie Ryan (UCD RFC/Leinster, vc), Billy Scannell (Young Munster RFC/Munster), Dylan Tierney-Martin (Corinthians RFC/Connacht), Ronan Watters (St. Mary’s College RFC/Leinster), Josh Wycherley (Young Munster RFC/Munster).
Backs:
Harry Byrne (Lansdowne FC/Leinster), Craig Casey (Shannon RFC/Munster, vc), Jake Flannery (Shannon RFC/Munster), Sean French (Cork Constitution RFC/Munster), Cormac Foley (St. Mary’s College RFC/Leinster), David Hawkshaw (Clontarf FC/Old Belvedere, captain), Ben Healy (Garryowen RFC/Munster), Bruce Houston (Ballymena RFC/Ulster), Iwan Hughes (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster), Angus Kernohan (Queen’s University RFC/Ulster), James McCarthy (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster), Stewart Moore (Malone RFC/Ulster), Oli Morris (Saracens/IQ Rugby), Aaron O’Sullivan (UCD RFC/Leinster/IQ Rugby), Conor Phillips (Young Munster RFC/Munster), Colm Reilly (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht), Rob Russell (Dublin University FC/Leinster), Liam Turner (Dublin University FC/Leinster), Jonathan Wren (Cork Constitution FC/Munster).
Ireland U20 6 Nations Fixtures:
England – Friday 1st Feb, 7.15pm, Irish Independent Park, Cork (Live on RTE)
Scotland – Friday 8th Feb, 7.30pm, Netherdale, Galashiels
Italy – Friday 22nd Feb, Stadio Centro d’Italia (Live on www.facebook.com/Federugby)
France – Friday 8th Mar, 7.15pm, Irish Independent Park, Cork (Live on RTE)
Wales – Friday 15th Mar, 7.15pm, Stadwim Zip World, Colwyn Bay (Live on RTE)
