Rugby: Coach Allen Clarke has named his Ireland Under-20 squad ahead of their Six Nations Championship.
The 26-man squad shows seven players who have played at this level, including Rhys Ruddock, who made his Leinster debut recently, ahead of their opening game against Italy at Dubarry Park on Friday, February 5th. The Athlone venue will be used for Ireland’s home games at this level.
“The attitude of the players has been excellent, both in their individual attention and motivation while developing with their provincial rugby and fitness coaches and while playing for their clubs,” said Clarke.
“The warm-up games against the Provincial Development sides have provided the opportunity to develop our game and identify the areas we need to improve.”
‘We all recognise the potential of the squad while respecting the challenges ahead, the first of which is to start the Six Nations campaign against Italy at home with a good performance.
Ireland Under-20 Six Nations squad:
Backs: Andrew Conway (Blackrock/Leinster), John Cooney (UCD/Leinster)*, Eoin Griffin (Corinthians/Connacht), Michael Heaney (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Darren Hudson (St. Mary's /Leinster), Brian Kingston (Blackrock/Leinster), Brendan Macken (Blackrock/Leinster), James McKinney (Queens/Ulster), David McSharry (UCD/Leinster), Tiernan O'Halloran (Galwegians/Connacht), Nevin Spence (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*, Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Forwards: Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Denis Buckley (Corinthians/Connacht), Patrick Butler (Shannon/Munster), Bryan Cagney (UCC/Munster), David Doyle (UCD/Leinster), Brian Hayes (Cork Constitution/Munster)*, Stewart Maguire (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ben Marshall (UCD/Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Blackrock/Leinster), Robin O'Sullivan (Bective/Leinster), David O'Callaghan (UCC/Munster)*, Jack O'Connell (Lansdowne/Leinster)*,Rhys Ruddock (UCD/Leinster)*, Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
* Denotes previously capped player at under-20 level