Ryan captains Ireland U-19s for world event

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

The side will be captained by Paul Ryan of Blackrock College and open the competition against champions Australia on April 5th at Ravenhill.

Ireland Coach Charlie McAleese said: “Hosting the tournament was always an added incentive for many of the boys and the selection process has seen a large number of superb candidates whittled down to the final 26. As always, there are some disappointed players, but the selections were difficult in many of the positions for the final squad.’’

“The pressures of also playing as tournament hosts will be a big part of our challenge, as will the top class opponents we will be facing.

“It does not get much tougher then playing the defending champions in your opening game and Australia are always tremendously strong at this level.”

He added: “We will need to be at the very top of our game to be able to compete with all of our Pool A opponents over the next couple of weeks, but if we get off to a winning start it will set us up for the rest of the tournament”.

Ryan expressed delight at receiving the captaincy: “It does not get better then captaining Ireland at any level, but to be doing it as hosts makes it extra special.

“Playing at home will hopefully give the team an edge and we know that the famous Irish, and especially Ulster, support will give us a great reception during all of our games.

“The chance to play at home in such a great tournament is a great opportunity so we are really looking forward to the start of the competition.’’

IRELAND (U19 Squad):

FORWARDS (14): B Cawley, (UCD), S Douglas, (Ballymena K Essex, (Christian Brothers College, Cork/UCC), D Foley, (UL Bohemians), J Harris-Wright, (Blackrock College), P Karayianis, (RBAI/Queens), I Leonard, (St. Michael’s College), P Mallon, (St. Michael’s College), P McCabe, (Dublin University), I Nagle, (Glenstal Abbey), M Nelson, (Ballynahinch) , R Riley, (St. Michael’s College), P Ryan (Captain), (Blackrock College), M Sherry, (Ard Scoil Rís/Garryowen).

BACKS (12): P Brophy, (St. Michael’s College), C Cleary, (St. Michael’s College), A Craig, (Instonians), S Deasy, (Presentation Brothers College, Cork), A Gaughan, (Buccaneers), K Greene, (St. Mary’s College), M Kinsella, (Newtown School, Waterford), N Morris, (Blackrock College), H McAleese, (Ballynahinch) , E O’Malley, (UCD) , T Seymour, (Down High School), J Smith, (Ballymena).