Ruddock brothers to play for Ireland U20s

Number eight Peter O'Mahony will lead the Ireland U20s for this Friday’s opening game in the U20 Championship against France in Dubarry Park (7.30pm).

The most eye-catching aspect of the selection is the presence of brothers Ciaran and Rhys Ruddock, the sons for former Wales coach Mike, at lock and blindside, respectively.

David Kearney, the brother of Ireland full back Rob Kearney, is selected on the wing with an all-Garryowen half back combination with club mates Andrew Burke and Conor Murray lining out for their first competitive start together at this level.

Ireland Coach Allen Clark said: "The attitude of the whole group has been excellent. There were some tight selections, but the players chosen have been performing consistently well for their respective clubs.

"I am very pleased with the standards set on and off the field – the reality is to produce an accurate performance on Friday night. France will be a huge test, but one the players are looking forward to.”

IRELAND U20 (v France U20):

15 - Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)

14 - David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)

13 - Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)

12 - Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)

11 - Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster) 10 - Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster)

9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)

1 - Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)

2 - Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

3 - Jack O'Connell (Lansdowne/Leinster)

4 - Ciaran Ruddock (Neath)

5 - Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)

6 - Rhys Ruddock (Neath)

7 - Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)

8 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster).

Replacements:

16 - David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)

17 - Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)

18 - James Sandford (Queens University/Ulster)

19 - Michael Noone (Seapoint & Lansdowne/Leinster) 20 - John Cooney (UCD/Leinster)

21 - Gary Foley (Blackrock College/Leinster)

22 - Mark Doyle (U.L. Bohemians/Munster).