Irish u-19 side is named

The Ireland U-19 team begins its preparations for this year’s IRB U-19 World Championship with a game against Wales in Stradey Park this Friday night.

The U-19 World Championship, the third largest tournament in international rugby, kicks off in Belfast on April 4th and will bring together the cream of young talent from around the world to Ireland.

Ireland U-19 Coach Charlie McAleese said: “This year is a big one for Irish U-19 rugby with the World Cup taking place in Belfast. All of the squad are keen to impress and stake their claim for a place in the squad for the tournament and this game against Wales gives them that opportunity”.

“While we take great encouragement by the performances of the U-20 side in the last two games of their Six Nations Championship, Wales will again be tough opponents as they are always strong at this level and should give us an indication of where we are”.

The side will be captained by Paul Ryan of Blackrock College RFC.

The Ireland U19 team to play Wales U19 in Stradey Park, Llanelli, Wales on Friday, February 16 2007 at 19.15hrs is as follows:

15 – Adam Craig, Instonians/Ulster/Ulster

14 – Chris Cochrane, Coleraine Academical Institute/Ulster

13 - Jamie Smith, Ballymena/Ulster

12 - Murray Kinsella, Newtown School/Munster

11 – Niall Morris, Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

10 – Eoin O’Malley, UCD /Leinster

9 – Dave Moore, Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

1 – Paul Karayiannis, RBAI/Ulster

2 – Stephen Douglas, Ballymena/Ulster

3 – Matthew Nelson, Ballynahinch/Ulster

4 – Brian Cawley, UCD/Leinster

5 – Ian Nagle, Glenstal Abbey/Munster

6 – Kieran Essex, CBC Cork/Munster

7 – Michael Entwistle, Ballymena /Ulster

8 – Paul Ryan (Captain), Blackrock College RFC/Leinster