O’Sullivan gives youngsters chance to shine against England

IRISH coach Eddie O’Sullivan has opted for youthful promise in the Ireland A team to meet England in Gloucester on Friday night (7.45pm).

O’Sullivan admitted he could have chosen several players with more experience, but said he was mindful of giving youth its fling and exposing our burgeoning talent to rugby at a high level.

The coach explained: “I’m glad to see A internationals back on the schedule, but we only have two this season, so it made sense to me to allow young players come through to take their place in the pecking order.”