It wasn’t to be for the Ireland U20s rugby team - who are sponsored by PwC Ireland - as the French U20s rugby team lifted their third consecutive World Rugby U20 Championship trophy at Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. They did so after beating a valiant Irish team 50-14, marking yet another successful chapter in France's rugby history.
2018: 🏆🇫🇷
2019: 🏆🇫🇷
2023: 🏆🇫🇷#WorldRugbyU20s glory belongs to @FranceRugby for the third time in-a-row! pic.twitter.com/NOenjLhCeQ— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 14, 2023
This loss was not reflective of the Irish team's grit and spirit which were on full display throughout the tournament. As coach Richie Murphy guided his talented squad with dexterity and composure, they fought each challenge with determination, including the unfortunate tragedies that hit the team during the competition. While the defeat may linger in their minds for some time, particularly the last 40 minutes when fatigue seemed to catch up, they can take immense pride in what they've achieved. Ireland battled bravely to the last but France made it a Bastille Day to remember for them.
Murphy, along with his excellent staff, have done a commendable job with this group of young men that, despite falling short against the more experienced French side, displayed the incredible talent Ireland's four provinces have supplied. The orchestration of this gifted pool of players led to commendable performances throughout the tournament.
The stark contrast in professional game experience between the French and Irish players were evident during the tournament. The French team - a cadre of players from the Top14/ProD2 professional leagues - faced an Irish squad with limited professional exposure, an issue that Irish rugby needs to address. The challenge moving forward is to ensure that young Irish players gain the invaluable experience that their French counterparts receive.
Mapping the Future: Ireland's Rugby Stars in the Making
A large number of players from the 2023 U20 World Cup finalists will now be gearing up to transition into successful professional careers, with many set to join their respective provincial academies. Several promising athletes are primed to leave their mark in the coming years, potentially featuring in the 2027 World Cup.
Among these young stars is out half Sam Prendergast, whose skill and prowess have already made him one of the standout players. With the retirement of Johnny Sexton, Prendergast is poised to step into a significant role in Leinster's setup. But he faces competition from Ross and Harry Byrne, Charlie Tactor, and Kieran Frawley. However, Prendergast's trajectory will likely be fascinating to follow, especially during Ross's World Cup absence.
Another great Kick Pass by Sam Prendergast to James Nicholson for first try. #IREvRSA #WorldRugbyU20s
pic.twitter.com/pIQwBSSFbB— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) July 9, 2023
Brian Gleeson, another promising talent, will soon be vying for a place with Gavin Coombes in Munster. Gleeson has the potential to make his European debut for Munster this season and possibly represent Ireland in the next World Cup cycle, given his promising attributes. The battle between Gleeson and Coombes should produce some explosive training sessions down in Limerick in the coming months.
WHAT. A. TRY 🍀
Pure, unadulterated power from the beast that is Brian Gleeson 🔥
Ireland 14 - 7 South Africa@PwCIreland #futureisgreenpic.twitter.com/pZ7ulP3nvr— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 9, 2023
Gus McCarthy, the team's captain and hooker, is stepping into a squad that already has two established international players in his position. However, his impressive performance this season suggests he can step up and establish himself as the player to rely on during Kelleher and Sheehan's international duties. With the retirement of James Tracey in Leinster he is well able to for a battle with Lee Barron and John McKee to establish himself as the player who will play while Kelleher and Sheehan are away on international duty.
The captain Gus McCarthy. with what should be the winning score for Ireland 🔥
Less than ten minutes to go and Ireland lead 23-10.#FutureIsGreen | #WorldRugbyU20s @PwCIrelandpic.twitter.com/Ej4MdwBVRt— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 29, 2023
In the west, Connacht's Hugh Gavin's versatility to play as a centre and wing will be an asset. His speed and skills suggest he has the potential to become a regular in Connacht. Additionally, with Ulster's back-row depth not as robust as one might think, James McNabney might get the opportunity to see more game time sooner than most of his teammates.
Ireland U20s have pulled away in the second half and now lead 31-10, with the last try coming for Hugh Gavin.
Not Prendergast's best strike but it worked out beautifully 🍀pic.twitter.com/aBVAEk9zaq— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐄! 🟢
Ireland retake the lead with the last play of the first half!@UlsterRugby's James McNabney with the crucial score.
🏴 10-15 ☘️#ENGvIRE | #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/Hl3KBBPEFL— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 24, 2023
One player who might be a slow but steady climber is loosehead prop, Paddy McCarthy. His performance throughout the tournament has been remarkable, but his growth might be gradual due to the demands of the position. The likes of Mangan, Cooney,Gunne and McErlean are also ones to watch, but they will have to show patience and wait to seize any opportunities that come their way to show their talent.
Paddy McCarthy 💥#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/rooyrqtSSL
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) July 9, 2023
This seasons journey, despite the defeat in the World Cup final, has provided immense learning opportunities for the Irish team and offers a strong foundation for their future rugby careers. It also highlights the challenges ahead for Irish Rugby to ensure that its young players get the exposure and experience needed to compete at the highest level in professional sport. Their potential is undeniable, and with patience and determination, some are likely to achieve great success in the years to come.
