Ireland have decided to return to tradition this weekend as they travel to Ashton Gate to face England ‘A’ in the first fixture between the two since 2015. Mike Prendergast is head coach with Max Deegan as captain and it’s a fixture that is causing excitement from fans and players alike.
With that in mind, here are 5 players we think could gain the most from the game in Bristol.
Harry Byrne
After moving to the west country on loan, many would have thought Harry Byrne’s days in Ireland were drawing to a close. However, following a call-up to this squad and news of his brother Ross swapping Leinster for Gloucester, an opportunity has arisen for 25 year-old Harry to prove his worth in the Irish system, even if that opens the door for a provincial switch.
11 February 2024; Harry Byrne of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Alex Kendellen
Having captained Ireland under-20, Munster and Emerging Ireland, Cork man Alex Kendellen is clearly a leader at a young age. That said, without the burden of captaincy this week, Kendellen will be hoping to keep up his brilliant form across the 2024/25 season and bolt into Ireland contention ahead of the summer tour of Europe.
6 October 2024; Alex Kendellen of Ireland in action against Western Force during the Toyota Challenge Match match between Emerging Ireland and Western Force at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Photo by Charle Lombard/Sportsfile
Jude Postlethwaite
To Ulster now, Jude Postlethwaite is poised to thrive in green. A robust centre with high game IQ, Postlethwaite will be a perfect fit in the 12 shirt under head coach Mike Prendergast’s sharp attacking system. With James Hume returning from injury with Ulster, this is a prime opportunity for Jude to show his abilities heading into the back end of the season.
26 September 2024; Jude Postlethwaite during an Emerging Ireland rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre on the Sports Ireland Campus in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Max Deegan
Captain of the squad Max Deegan is bound to feel conflicted this week. Although he will be sure to take on the honour with pride, he would prefer to be with the main squad battling for a spot in the squad to face Wales. A big performance here would help his case going forward however.
12 November 2022; Max Deegan, right, and Caelan Doris of Ireland after the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Brian Gleeson
A bolter in name but fun inclusion was Munster’s Brian Gleeson. Having played every game in red since returning from a long-term injury layoff, the 21-year-old number eight has the opportunity to show his top end power and athleticism if selected.
27 December 2024; Brian Gleeson of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
SEE ALSO: 'He Changed it' - Tom Wood Impact Praised Despite Ireland U20s Loss To Wales
