The 31-man Ireland U20s squad - who are sponsored by PwC Ireland - has been named for the upcoming U20s Six Nations Championship.
The returning Evan O'Connell will captain the squad, who begin their campaign against France at Stade Maurice David on Saturday, 3 February (Kick-off 9.10pm local time/8.10pm Irish time).
Joe Hopes, Hugh Gavin, and Danny Sheahan will also be returning, having played for Richie Murphy's side last year, as well as star man Brian Gleeson.
Ireland U20s Gear Up To Retain Six Nations Championship
Gleeson shone at number eight as Ireland won back-to-back Grand Slams and reached the final or the World Championship in 2023.
The Tipp man has played Champions Cup this season for Munster, as has schools star Ben O'Connor, who has been named among the backs.
Other men to look out for include Leinster centre Wilhelm de Klerk, who was a standout in the recent warm-up games, and Sean Edogbo, who will be looking to emulate the rise of his brother Edwin.
Unfortunately, Gleeson's back row partner from last year's run, Ruadhan Quinn, was unavailable for selection.
READ HERE: The Ireland U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
Head Coach Richie Murphy has named a 31-player Ireland U20s squad for the Six Nations! 🟢#FutureIsGreen
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 16, 2024
Alongside head coach Richie Murphy will be Willie Faloon (Defence and Lineout), Aaron Dundon (Scrum and Contact Coach), both of whom are continuing their roles from last year, with former Ireland international Ian Keatley joining the team as Backs Coach.
“We have been working hard for a number of weeks and it’s an exciting time for these young players, who have the honour of representing the wider group in the Six Nations,” Murphy said.
“We as coaches have pushed the players over the last number of months and I have been impressed by their work-rate, commitment and application. Now our focus turns to performance and the opening game against France, which we know will be a big challenge first up.
“We are looking forward to the opportunities over the coming weeks and are excited by the prospect of an Ireland U20s team returning to Six Nations action at Musgrave Park in Cork, where we always have huge support.”
Ireland U20s Squad:
Forwards (17):
Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
Ben Howard (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
Henry Walker (Queen’s University RFC/Ulster)
Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
Patreece Bell (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)
Jacob Boyd (Queen’s University RFC/Ulster)
Andrew Sparrow (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Joe Hopes (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(captain)
Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC/Munster)
Josh Stevens (Queen’s University RFC/Ulster)
Brian Gleeson (Garryowen FC/Munster)
Luke Murphy (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Backs (14):
Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Tadhg Brophy (Naas RFC/Leinster)
Will Wootton (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)
Jake O’Riordan (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)
Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
Sean Naughton (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Ethan Graham (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
Rory Ellerby (Queen’s University RFC/Ulster)
Wilhelm de Klerk (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Finn Treacy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
Stephen Kiely (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
Ireland U20 Fixtures:
- Saturday, 3 February: France v Ireland, Stade Maurice David, 9.10pm local time/8.10pm Irish time
- Friday, 9 February: Ireland v Italy, Musgrave Park, 7.15pm
- Friday, 23 February: Ireland v Wales, Musgrave Park, 7.15pm
- Friday, 8 March: England v Ireland, Recreation Ground, 7.15pm
- Friday, 15 March: Ireland v Scotland, Musgrave Park, 7pm
SEE ALSO: Predicting Ireland's Six Nations Squad After The Weekend’s Champions Cup Games
