Ireland Schools squad announced

The Ireland Schools selectors have named a 26-strong squad to take on Japan U19s this weekend and also to represent Ireland at the 6 Nations U18 tournament to take place in Glasgow from April 8 to 14.

A team will be selected from this squad for the game against Japan in St.Mary’s College RFC, Templeville Road at 2.30pm on Saturday.

The game will be part of the build up to the traditional U18 schools tournament which will see Ireland take on Italy U18 in their opening game followed by matches against France and England over the Easter holidays.

The team will be captained by James Sandford of Royal School Armagh.

The Ireland U18 Schools squad is as follows:

Forwards (14):

Alex Byrne (St Michael's College)

Peter Kelleher (PBC Cork)

Nermin Lovic (Belvedere College)

Adam Macklin (Methodist College)

Stephen Mahony (St Michael's College)

Patrick McAllister (R.S. Armagh)

Patrick McGowan (Ballymena Academy)

Kyle O'Dwyer (CBC Cork)

Brian O'Hara (PBC Cork)

Peter O'Mahony (PBC Cork)

Felix Ross (The King's Hospital)

James Ryan (Rockwell College)

James Sandford (R.S.Armagh) Captain

Thomas Sexton (Belvedere College)

Backs (12):

Ricky Andrew (Ballymena Academy)

Mark Atkinson (Grosvenor G.S.)

Sam Bell (Methodist College)

Andrew Burke (Crescent College)

Gary Foley (CBC Monkstown)

Shane Gahan (Gonzaga College)

Robert Johnston (Blackrock College)

David Kearney (Clongowes Wood College)

Ian Madigan (Blackrock College)

Chris Nolan (CBC Cork)

Ronan O'Mahony (Castletroy College)

Richard Reaney (R.S. Armagh)

Management:

Lorcan Balfe (Manager)

Peter Melia (Coach)

Paul Barr (Asst Coach)

Ossie Fogarty (Doctor)

David Lyons (Physiotherapist)

Ireland Schools Fixtures:

Ireland Schools v Japan U19, 31/03/07, St Mary's RFC Templeville Rd K.O.2.30p.m.

Italy U18 v Ireland U18 Schools, 8/04/05, (Old Anniesland) Glasgow Hawks. K.O. 3.00p.m.

France U18 v Ireland U18 Schools, 11/04/07 (Old Anniesland) Glasgow Hawks. K.O. 7.30p.m

England U18 v Ireland U18 Schools 14/04/07 (Burnbrae) West of Scotland.K.O. 1.00 p.m.