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.”

He added that while France had a strong overall game, the other group games against Argentina and Georgia “will be a test for our forwards as that is where their traditional strength lies”.

Ireland manager Niall O’Shea said that new members to the squad, David Pollock, David Ryan and Diarmuid Laffan, are settling in well.

“We hope will give us further options in the pack. The rest of the squad have all been involved at some stage of the season, so with that experience on board, we will be looking for a good start.”

The Ireland squad departs for France from their training camp in Portumna on Monday, June 5.

IRISH U 21 Forwards (14) - C Black (Worcester), S Cronin (Shannon), P Doran Jones (Dublin University), B Holland (UCC), D Hurley (UCC), D Laffan (Blackrock), David McGowan (Buccaneers), R Noonan (UCC), S O’Brien (UCD), S Philpott (Belfast Harlequins, Captain), D Pollock (Queens University), D Ryan (Highfield), D Toner (Lansdowne), D Tuohy (Hartpury College/Gloucester).

Backs (12):F Carr (Blackrock), D Cave (Belfast Harlequins), C Doyle (Garryowen), Peter Durcan (Galwegians), T Gleeson (Cork Con.), K Hallet (Bedford Blues), I Hanley (U.L. Bohemians), P Marshall (Ballynahinch), F McFadden (UCD), J Sexton (St.Mary’s), D Williams (UCC), M Williams (Bristol).