THE curtain comes down on a successful IRB under 19 World Championship in Belfast today, with the host nation bidding to finish on a positive note when they face Scotland in the 9th Place Play-Off Final at Ravenhill (3pm).

A TOURNAMENT that started so promisingly for Ireland U19s now sees the hosts fighting for respectability.

RAVENHILL will be close to capacity tonight for Ireland’s win-or-bust final pool clash with South Africa in the IRB World U-19 Championship.

THE palpable sense of disappointment in the aftermath of Ireland U19’s 15-10 bonus point defeat to Australia, demonstrated a deep-rooted realisation that a top four finish — and a place in the World Championship semi-finals — is well within this side’s grasp.

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

COACH Eric Elwood has named an unchanged Ireland U20 team for tomorrow’s Grand Slam decider against Italy.

FOR the first time, Schools and Youths have combined to form a Munster U19 panel from which a Munster Selection will be chosen to play Australia on Wednesday in Clifford Park, Greenfields, Limerick at 2pm.

ONLY once since they were first successful back in 1918 have Presentation Brothers, Cork, gone eight years without capturing the Coca Cola Munster Schools Senior Cup.

PBC Cork 16

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy was giving few hints today on his possible 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea this summer.