Ireland U20s 'in a strong position' as defence of Grand Slam begins

Having been part of the Grand Slam successes that the Irish have enjoyed at this age grade in the past two seasons, the ex-flanker would dearly love to see the current squad pulling off a similar feat in 2024.

STRONG POSITION; In attendance, from left, Jack Murphy, PwC managing director Enda McDonagh, Joe Hopes, IRFU president Greg Barrett, Evan O'Connell, head coach Richie Murphy and Hugh Gavin during a Ireland U20 rugby media conference at PwC head offices in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

As they get ready to launch their latest bid for Six Nations supremacy, Ireland U20s assistant coach Willie Faloon has praised the impact that has been made by Ian Keatley since he came into the set-up.

A former fly-half for Connacht, Munster and Benetton (amongst others), Dublin man Keatley has been dipping his toes into the coaching world since bringing the curtain down on his playing career in 2021.