Ruddock unfazed by high player turnover

Mike Ruddock may have only two players who served in last year’s championship available to him this time around as he goes into tonight’s Six Nations opener against Scotland at Dubarry Park, but the Ireland U20 boss is unconcerned.

Indeed, Ruddock says that the turnover is pretty similar every year and prefers to point to the opportunities being made available to an increasing quality of player being produced in the country.

Peadar Timmons and Peter Dooley are the sole survivors from 12 months ago but captain, Dan Leavy, Alex Wooton, Jack O’Donoghue and Adam Byrne were all involved in the IRB World Cup subsequently.