IRFU announces club squad to face Scotland

The Ireland Club team that will defend their Dal Riada trophy in the Ulster Bank Club International against the Scotland Club team at Anglesea Road on Friday, March 9 has been named.

UCC coach Conor Twomey has named a strong 27-man squad which features some highly experienced players at this level.

League leaders Clontarf are represented by Killian Lett, Barry O’Mahony and Frank Cogan all three of whom have represented Ireland at this.

Cogan captained Ireland to a 32–30 win over Scotland last year.

Dolphin’s prolific point-scorer Barry Keeshan, who landed three penalties and two conversions in that game, is again included as is half back partner from that game Cork Con’s Gerry Hurley.

St Mary’s, who are just behind ‘Tarf on points difference, have Damien Hall, Rob Sweeney and former Ireland Club captain Hugh Hogan named in the squad.

A number of players from Division 1B have also made the squad with Brendan Deady (Bruff), John Cleary (Galwegians), Adam Kennedy (Buccaneers), Rodger McBurney (Ballymena), Brian Slater (UCC) and James Thompson (Ballynahinch) all included.

The Ireland Club side will also play the England Counties on March 16 in Preston Grasshoppers RFC.

Ireland Club Squad:

Risteard Byrne - UCD

John Cleary - Galwegians

Frank Cogan – Clontarf

Christy Condon – Dolphin

Simon Crawford – Clontarf

Brendan Deady – Bruff

Philip Donnellan - Cork Constitution

Damian Hall - St. Mary's College

Matt Healy – Lansdowne

Hugh Hogan - St. Mary's College

Gerry Hurley - Cork Constitution

Barry Keeshan – Dolphin

Mike Kelliher - Young Munster

Adam Kennedy – Buccaneers

Killian Lett – Clontarf

Rodger McBurney – Ballymena

Hugh McGrath - Young Munster

David Mongan - Old Belvedere

Liam Og Murphy - Young Munster

Barry O'Mahony – Clontarf

Paul Pritchard – Ballymena

Craig Ronaldson – Lansdowne

Brian Slater – UCC

Ger Slattery - Young Munster

Rob Sweeney - St. Mary's College

James Thompson – Balllynahinch

Fergal Walsh - Shannon