O’Brien gets chance to claim regular spot

PETER O’BRIEN has been given the chance to push for a regular place on the Irish U-21 World Cup squad after being named in the team to take on Scotland at Newbury today (5 pm).

O’Brien of UCC comes in for Tommy Bowe at full back but his inclusion is no reflection on the Queens University player he replaces following Ireland’s opening loss to South Africa on Friday.

Team manager Dave Haslett said: “It’s horses for courses. We had to give some players a rest and others the opportunity. It’s more about balance in the back division than anything else.”