Call-ups rule out U20 trio

THREE first-choice players from the Irish team that defeated Italy in Parma last week are out of contention for the second RBS 6 Nations U20 clash against France at Dubarry Park, Athlone, tonight (7.45pm).

Four more have been called up for Magners League action and while it seems strange clubs take precedence over international competition, Irish coach Mike Ruddock is looking on the positive despite losing players of the quality of Brendan Macken and Andrew Conway to Leinster and Craig Gilroy and Luke Marshall to Ulster.

France travel with a star-studded side that demolished Scotland 49-5 in Caen.