Ireland U-20s prepare to defend Six Nations title

Holders Ireland will start their RBS Six Nations U-20 Championship at home to Italy at Dubarry Park on Friday night.

There are no survivors from last years U-20 Grand Slam winning side as the Elwood and Dan McFarland coaching ticket start with a fresh group of players.

“The continuing cycle of underage rugby has meant that this year's squad are all totally new to this level, but they have pulled together extremely well over the last number of weeks in our camps and practice games,” said Elwood.

“Playing Italy at any level offers a real physical challenge and this Friday will be no different. We have ability across the team, but our first goal is to gain a foothold in the game in the physical stakes and then progress from there.

“Playing in Dubarry Park and starting the championship there is another big plus for us with the great support we always receive in Athlone.”

Ireland U20 (v Italy U20):

15 - Niall Morris - Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

14 - David Kearney - Lansdowne/Leinster

13 - Eoin O’Malley - Old Belvedere/Leinster

12 - Eamonn Sheridan - Lansdowne/Leinster

11 - Chris Cochrane - Queens University/Ulster

10 - Martin Dufficy - Dublin University/Leinster

9 - David Moore - Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

1 - Paul Karayiannis - Queens University/Ulster

2 - Stephen Douglas - Ballymena/Ulster

3 - Ben Barclay - UCD/Leinster

4 - David Nolan - Galwegians/Connacht

5 - Eoin Sheriff - Lansdowne/Leinster

6 - Kieran Essex - U.L. Bohemians/Munster

7 - Paul Ryan Captain - Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

8 - Patrick Mallon - Lansdowne/Leinster.

Replacements.

16 - Jason Harris-Wright - Greystones/Leinster

17 - Stephen Archer - UCC/Munster

18 - James Sandford - Queens University/Ulster

19 - Ian Nagle - UCC/Munster

20 - Kris Green - St.Mary’s College/Leinster

21 - Ian Madigan - Blackrock College RFC/Leinster

22 - Sean Scanlon - UCC/Munster.