Paul Doolin’s Irish U-19s will need a positive result from Tuesday’s concluding Group A game against hosts Romania in the European Championships after they allowed Czech Republic come from behind to inflict the first defeat in nine on Paul Doolin’s side.

The Ireland U-19 team will begin their international season this Saturday with a match against Italy in Malahide RFC, Dublin.

Stephen Gleeson of Wolves is the latest player to be called up to the Republic of Ireland squad, who travel to the states tomorrow ahead of next weeks friendlies against South American opposition.

THE Irish rugby squad for next month’s IRB U19 World Championships in Belfast was announced yesterday.

Ireland Under-19s face the daunting task of meeting host nation South Africa in the IRB World Cup in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon.