Reigning U20s Six Nations champions Ireland take the field in Verona this evening to play France in the curtain-raiser of the 2022 Six Nations Summer Series.
Coach Richie Murphy has named a strong team to take on Les Bleus, with back row Reuben Crothers picked to captain the side, just as he did during the U20s Six Nations earlier in the year.
The electric Aitzol King starts on the wing with Leinster's Daniel Hawkshaw wearing the #13 jersey.
It will be a fascinating renewal of acquaintances. The Ireland U20s famously traveled to France back in February and snatched an unlikely win thanks to a last minute try and conversion.
It was Ireland's first win in France in 10 years and was a decisive moment in their Grand Slam campaign.
It's a massive fixture for Ireland tonight, as they play in a brutal group that includes South Africa and England.
Last night, France named a dangerous-looking team to play Ireland that is captained by centre Émilen Gailleton.
🔥 Demain, c'est le grand début des #U20SummerSeries !
☀️ La compétition de l'été pour nos Bleuets de #FranceU20 ! Premier match demain à 20h contre l'Irlande !
Et ce sera à suivre en direct vidéo sur notre chaîne Twitch ! 💪 #NeFaisonsXV #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/QFogJxoJIT— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) June 23, 2022
Here's the Ireland 26-man squad in full.
15. Dylan O’Grady (UCD RFC/Leinster)
14. Aitzol King (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
13. Fionn Gibbons (UCD RFC/Leinster)
12. Daniel Hawkshaw (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
11. Shay McCarthy (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
10. Tony Butler (Garryowen FC/Munster)
9. Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC/Munster)
1. Oisin Michel (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
2. James McCormick (Ballymena RFC/Ulster)
3. Darragh McSweeney (Shannon RFC/Munster)
4. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC/Leinster)
5. Adam McNamee (Malone RFC/Ulster)
6. James McNabney (Ballymena RFC/Ulster)
7. Reuben Crothers (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)(Captain)
8. Lorcan McLoughlin (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
Subs
16. Josh Hanlon (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
17. George Hadden (Gorey RFC/Clontarf FC/Leinster)
18. Kieran Ryan (Shannon RFC/Munster)
19. Charlie Irvine (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
20. Diarmuid Mangan (UCD RFC/Leinster)
21. Michael Moloney (UCD RFC/Leinster)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
23. George Coomber (UCC RFC/Munster)
24. Reece Malone (Loughborough University/Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
25. George Shaw (Cardiff University/IQ Rugby)
26. Ronan O’Sullivan (Highfield RFC/Munster).
The match can be viewed on the youtube channel of the Six Nations. Kickoff is at 7pm tonight in Verona. You can watch it here.
