Doak makes changes as Ireland U20s look to end on a high in Treviso

The next generation conclude a disappointing 2025 Championship in Itay but hope to end in winning form ahead of this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship.

STARTING SPOT: Back row David Walsh will make his  first start in Treviso. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Head Coach Neil Doak has rung the changes again as his Ireland U20s go in search of their second win of the campaign ion Friday night's U20s Six Nations clash against Italy at Stadio Comunale di Monigo (7.45pm). 

The next generation conclude a disappointing 2025 Championship in Treviso but hope to end the campaign on a high ahead of this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship.

Ulster scrum-half Clarke Logan returns to the starting XV with Chris O'Connor in line for a first ever cap off the bench. O'Connor's Terenure teammate David Walsh will get his first start of the campaign in the back row while Ulster hooker Henry Walker returns to the No.2 jersey with Mikey Yarr dropping down to the bench. 

Connacht back row Éanna McCarthy is once again named to captain the side in Italy. Daniel Green, Charlie Molony and Gene O'Leary Kareem start in Ireland's back three, with Eoghan Smyth and Ciarán Mangan making up the midfield pairing.

Friday's match is live on RTÉ2.

Ireland Men's U20s: Daniel Green (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster), Charlie Molony (UCD RFC/Leinster), Ciarán Mangan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), Eoghan Smyth (Cork Constitution FC/Munster), Gene O’Leary Kareem (UCC RFC/Munster); Tom Wood (Garryowen FC/Munster), Clark Logan (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster); Billy Bohan (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht), Henry Walker (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster), Alex Mullan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster); Mahon Ronan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster), Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster); David Walsh (Terenure College RFC/Leinster), Michael Foy (UCC RFC/Munster), Éanna McCarthy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)(captain). 

Replacements: Mikey Yarr (UCD RFC/Leinster), Paddy Moore (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), Tom McAllister (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster), Conor Kennelly (Highfield RFC/Munster), Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/Connacht), Chris O'Connor (Terenure College RFC/Leinster), Sam Wisniewski (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Connor Fahy (Clontarf FC/Leinster).