Ruddock makes changes

IRELAND U20 coach Mike Ruddock has made eight changes to the squad which defeated Italy last week for tomorrow night’s Six Nations clash with France (Dubarry Park, 7.30pm).

There are five new faces in the starting side and three new players in the replacements for a game which will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two.

Michael Sherlock comes in at full-back with Tiernan O’Halloran, a member of last year’s squad named on the wing. Nathaniel McDonald is in at centre to partner Alex Kelly.

A new look back row sees David Heffernan start at blindside with Aaron Conneely coming off the bench to openside and Jordi Murphy moving to number 8. David O’Mahony makes a start in the second row alongside local boy Daniel Qualter.

Meanwhile Ireland women’s coach Philip Doyle has kept faith with the side which defeated Italy for tomorrow night’s Six Nations clash with France, (Ashbourne, 7.30pm).

Doyle said: “We have a brand new squad this season and we capped a lot of new players last weekend. We have a very short turnaround time this week and we felt the need for continuity and to bed in the combinations. The French are a big challenge and it will be a stern test for some of the new girls but we are looking forward to playing in Ashbourne as we have been getting great support there in recent seasons.”