Ruddock looking for strong start

IRELAND’S U20 team will launch its Six Nations title defence against Italy in Parma tomorrow night (6pm) with captain Niall Annett one of five surviving players from last year’s championship winning side amongst the squad members.

Ireland U20 coach Mike Ruddock has named Ulster’s Annett at hooker in the team with Leinster pair Andrew Conway and Jordi Murphy returning from last season’s team on the wing and in the back row respectively, while their provincial team-mates David Doyle and Brendan Macken have been named among the replacements.

There are seven starters from Leinster, five from Ulster and three from Connacht with no Munster players featuring in the matchday squad.