Irish U-21 squad prepare for French tests

The Irish under-21s will have their first competitive outings this season when they take on two French regional selections in Paris.

A squad of 41 players will be split into two selections and will play two games in Marcoussis, Paris at the CNR "Honour Stadium" on Saturday November 27, with the first game kicking off at midday and the second at 1.30pm.

The Irish under-21s reached the Under-21 World Cup Final last season.

The Irish under-21 squad to play two French under 21 Regional XV’s is as follows:

Forwards (22):

John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), Eamonn Bracken (Buccaneers), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), James Coady (Dublin University), Michael Diffley (Buccaneers), Alex Dunlop (Terenure College), Michael Essex (UCC), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon), Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon) Chris Henry (Malone), David Houston (City of Derry), Anthony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Ronan Loughney (U.L. Bohemians), Gary Maxwell (Dungannon), Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Joe Merrigan (Corinthians), Glen Moore (Queens University), Brett McNamee (Northampton), Robert Quinn (UCC), Philip Rowe (Dublin University), Lewis Stevensen (Belfast Harlequins), Devon Toner (Lansdowne).

Backs (19):

Peter Beirne (Blackrock), Brian Cahill (Bruff), Stephen Grissing (UCD), Mark Hewitt (Clontarf), Thomas Horner (Belfast Harlequins), Philip Howard (Dublin University), Denis Hurley (UCC), Barry Keeshan (Cork Constitution), Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins), Stewart Megaw (Queens University), Ross McCarron (UCD), Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), Breffni O’Donnell (U.L. Bohemians), David O’Leary (UCC), Danny Riordan (Corinithians), Jonathon Sexton (St. Mary’s College), Gareth Steenson (Dungannon), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena), Cillian Willis (UCD).