Ruddock relishing World Cup challenge

Ireland U20 coach Mike Ruddock said he is not concerned their best ever finish at the Junior World Championship last year has not netted them a more favourable draw this season.

Ireland will open their JWC pool campaign in France next week against Australia and will then face Fiji and New Zealand.

Ireland would have been hopeful of avoiding at least one of the big guns having finished fifth in South Africa last year. But surprise results, such as Wales becoming the first side in the history of the competition to defeat New Zealand, had a big impact.