Tucker urges Ireland 'A' players to embrace the 'dark places'

Tucker will have Mossy Lawler operating as his backs/attack, Jimmy Duffy is in charge of the forwards and Sean O’Brien is the defensive guru.

Head coach Cullie Tucker. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ireland ‘A’ coach Cullie Tucker is challenging his hopefuls to embrace adversity against Spain this weekend following the side’s last outing, against England last spring, when a raft of injuries played havoc with any chance to impress.

Andy Farrell has championed the idea of ‘A’ and Emerging Ireland outings as a means of blooding the next generation of talent but Bristol last February proved a dispiriting affair for both players and coaches alike.