Ireland bid for first opening round win at the World Rugby U20 championship in eight years

"The players are excited about it but they know it’s going to be a tough challenge," says head coach Willie Faloon.

OPENING ROUND WIN: Head Coach Willie Faloon. Pic Credit: Ryan Byrne, Inpho.

It’s hard to believe that Ireland have not won their opening game at the U-20 World Championship since their most famous victory ever in the competition back in June 2016.

That was when Nigel Carolan’s side became the first Irish men's national side to defeat New Zealand — then the reigning U-20 world champions — 33-24 at Manchester City’s academy stadium.