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4 Players To Watch As The Ireland U20s Look To Extend Incredible Six Nations Form

4 Players To Watch As The Ireland U20s Look To Extend Incredible Six Nations Form
Brett Igoe
By Brett Igoe Updated
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As rugby fans get ready for Six Nations Championship 2025, the U20s tournament kicks off alongside the senior competition, traditionally serving as a curtain-raiser to each weekend's senior fixtures. This year brings an interesting schedule change, with Ireland U20s hosting England on Thursday evening at Virgin Media Park, Cork, rather than the usual Friday night slot.

Ireland enters the competition with an impressive record. They haven't lost to England at home since 2017 and boast an remarkable unbeaten run of 15 U20 Six Nations matches – including 13 consecutive wins before last year's draw with England. The home record is equally formidable, with 13 straight victories since their last defeat on Irish soil – a 41-38 loss to Wales in 2018.

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The U20s Six Nations Championship has proven vital in developing Irish rugby talent, with many current senior internationals having cut their teeth in this competition. It serves dual purposes: providing young players with international exposure while offering Provincial coaches a prime opportunity to scout emerging talent, aligning perfectly with Irish rugby's emphasis on domestic player development.

Ireland's U20s program boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, with Grand Slam victories in 2022 and 2023, an unbeaten 2024 season, and earlier wins in 2007, 2010, and 2019. As they pursue further success, new head coach Neil Doak faces the challenge of maintaining this level of competitiveness from the very first game against England.

The U20s setup has proved equally successful in developing coaching talent. Former Ireland U20s coaches have gone on to achieve significant success: Nigel Carolan led Glasgow's attack to URC victory last season, Noel McNamara is making his mark at Bordeaux, and Richie Murphy now heads Ulster's coaching team.

The 2025 squad features considerable experience, with seven players returning from last year's Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship campaigns in South Africa. The forward pack sees the return of Alex Usanov, Alex Mullan, Alan Spicer, Mikey Yarr, Billy Corrigan, Henry Walker, and Will Wootton

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A look at some of the players to watch out for over the next few weeks of the Championship:

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Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster Academy)

Already marking himself as one to watch, prop Alex Usanov has caught the attention of Ireland's senior coaching staff through his impressive performances. Having featured in all five U20s games last season, he further demonstrated his potential with the Emerging Ireland squad in October, starting against both Western Force and Toyota Cheetahs, while also making an impact off the bench against the Pumas.

Usanov brings exceptional power and athleticism to his game. His sporting prowess extends beyond rugby – he claimed All-Ireland Judo Championships in both 2018 and 2019, and secured a silver medal at the 2019 Jiu-jitsu European Championships. These combat sports skills have certainly contributed to his effectiveness on the pitch

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Alex Usanov Ireland U20s

8 March 2024; Alex Usanov of Ireland during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at The Recreation Ground in Bath, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Michael Foy (UCC RFC/Munster Academy)

This Cork-born back row forward is a tough uncompromising style typical of Munster rugby. He combines excellent ball-carrying ability with good defensive work and strong lineout skills. Foy has recently stepped up to represent Munster 'A' in this season's Interprovincial series, testing himself against both Leinster and Ulster. His performances at this higher level demonstrate his readiness for the challenges of international U20s rugby.

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Michael Foy

14 January 2025; Michael Foy poses for a portrait during an Ireland Men's U20s squad announcement and media day at PwC HQ in Spencer Dock, Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

READ ALSO: Eddie O'Sullivan Slams Munster For 'Mucking Around' In Head Coach Hunt

Henry Walker (Queens University/Ulster Academy)

A dynamic hooker from Ulster, he made a significant impact in last year's Six Nations campaign, featuring in four matches and scoring 2 tries. His accuracy at lineout time combined with his mobility around the field make him a modern front-row forward. Having developed his game through the English system - playing with Saracens U18s and studying at Hartpury College before making the move to Queen's University - he brings a unique perspective to Irish rugby. His experience from last year's championship has undoubtedly enhanced his game.

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Connor Fahy (Clontarf/Leinster)

A standout for both Clontarf in the All-Ireland League and Leinster 'A' this season, this powerful centre has been making waves with his exceptional form this season. His physicality stands out on the field, but it's his well-rounded skill set that makes him particularly impressive. Having represented Ireland in age-grade sevens rugby, he's developed excellent evasion skills that complement his powerful running game. His ability to blend raw strength with agility makes him a particularly challenging opponent for defences to contain.

Facts on the Ireland U20s Squad

  • 31 players (17 Leinster, 5 Munster, 5 Ulster, 3 Connacht & 1 IQ players).
  • 7 players have already been capped at u20s level in 2024.
  • 10 Academy Contracts - 3 Leinster/3 Munster/2 Connacht/2 Ulster
  • 1 Player involved with Emerging Ireland 2024
  • No Players have played in the URC for their province.

Ireland kick off their campaign at Virgin Media Park, Cork against England on Thursday, January 29 at 7.45pm

IRELAND UNDER-20 MEN’S SIX NATIONS FIXTURES:
Thursday, 30 January: Ireland v England, Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm
Saturday, 8 February: Scotland v Ireland, Hive Stadium, 7.45pm
Friday, 21 February: Wales v Ireland, Rodney Parade, 7.45pm
Friday, 7 March: Ireland v France, Virgin Media Park, 8pm
Friday, 14 March: Italy v Ireland, Stadio Comunale di Monigo, 7.45pm.

SEE ALSO: Neil Doak Announces Ireland U20s Side To Take On England In Six Nations Opener

Ireland U20s

14 January 2025; Ireland U20 players, from left, Eanna McCarthy, Michael Foy, Henry Walker and Ciaran Mangan pose for a portrait during an Ireland Men's U20s squad announcement and media day at PwC HQ in Spencer Dock, Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

 

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