France a tough start for U-21s

IRISH coach Mark McDermott yesterday announced his squad for next month’s IRB U21 World Cup in Auvergne, France.

The Irish team open the tournament against France in Issoire, the same opposition they played in the first game of last year’s tournament and they then take on Argentina and Georgia in the final pool matches.

McDermott said: “as with all tournaments, the opening game will be important for us. We were disappointed with some of our results in the Six Nations this year, so this gives us an opportunity to put in a higher level of performance.”