Irish coach Mike Ruddock has called on his pack to stand up to the most potent physical tests in rugby against Italy, England and South Africa at the Junior World Championships.

Ireland’s U20 Grand Slam dream died at Adams Park in High Wycombe last night after they failed to fully recover from a strong opening by England.

Second-half drop goals from half-backs Luke McGrath and Paddy Jackson against Wales set the Ireland U20s on a Grand Slam journey back in February but the duo are not underestimating the final road block.

Ireland coach Mike Ruddock believes his side must counter the physicality of their English opponents in tomorrow’s RBS U20 Six Nations clash at Adams Park if they are to achieve their grand slam dream.

Coach Mike Ruddock praised his men for maintaining their composure and seeing off the challenge of a weak Scotland side at Dubarry Park last night to set up a Grand Slam decider away to England next Friday.

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe has ended speculation about his future by confirming his return to Ulster on a three-year deal announced yesterday by the IRFU and starting next season.

Mike Ruddock’s Ireland remain on course for an U-20 Six Nations Grand Slam after seeing off Italy at Dubarry Park last night.

Ireland’s U20s captured their share of the headlines on a dramatic weekend for Six Nations rugby in France when they dug deep for a thrilling victory over Les Bleus, surviving a pulsating finale at the Stade des Alpes, Grenoble on Saturday.

A good start against Wales has given Irish coach Mike Ruddock belief in the ability of his U20 team for their meeting with France at Grenoble this afternoon.

Scarcely has a team been so dominant and still have to work so hard in the closing stages to carve out a victory.

Seven players from last year’s squad are included in the Ireland team for Friday night’s U20 Six Nations clash with Wales (Dubarry Park, Athlone. 7.05pm).

OSTENSIBLY a clash between Cork and Dublin clubs, this Ulster Bank League showdown instead had all the ingredients of a local derby — mates locking horns, not much in it on the scoreboard and technique sacrificed for passion.

IRELAND U20’s hammered a Leinster Development side 40-15 in the annual challenge at Donnybrook yesterday.

IF THIS was a learning process for the Irish players, their coach Colin McEntee will have learned more than most of them in what was a high-skilled, highly entertaining uncapped Age Grade international at Anglesea Road yesterday.

IRELAND will be bidding to advance to their third FIRA-AER U18 Championship decider in four years when they face Georgia in tonight’s semi-final at Casale Sul Sile, Treviso, (7pm, Irish time).