Three changes for Ireland U21s

The Ireland U21 team to play Scotland U21 this Friday in Dubarry Park, Athlone shows three changes to the side that lost narrowly to Wales.

In the backs, Jonathon Sexton takes over the outhalf position from Conan Doyle, who is named in the replacements.

Daragh Hurley, who had to withdraw from the starting side for the Wales game due to a hamstring injury, returns to the squad but must be content with a spot on the replacements as Callum Black holds his position at loosehead prop.

Michael Diffley, who was brought into the replacements when Black moved to the starting side does not make the match squad.

In the back row, Ross Noonan returns to the starting side in place of Michael Essex.

The team will be captained by Stuart Philpott.

The Ireland under 21 team is as follows:

15. Fionn Carr (Blackrock College)

14. Peter Durcan (Galwegians)

13. Fergus McFadden (UCD)

12. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins)

11. Matthew Williams (Bristol Shoguns/Hartpury College)

10. Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College)

9. Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch)

1. Callum Black (Worcester Warriors/Hartpury College)

2. Stuart Philpott (Belfast Harlequins) Captain

3. Paul Doran-Jones (Dublin University)

4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne)

5. Daniel Touhy (Gloucester/Hartpury College)

6. Ross Noonan (UCC)

7. Ejike Uzoigwe (Hartpury College)

8. Sean O'Brien (UCD)

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin (Shannon)

17. Darragh Hurley (UCC)

18. David McGowan (Buccaneers)

19. Billy Holland (UCC)

20. Duncan Williams (UCC)

21. Conan Doyle (Garryowen)

22. Tom Gleeson (Cork Con)