Management announce U21 squad for World Cup
The Ireland Under 21 management have named the squad that will travel to Argentina to take part in the 2005 IRB Under 21 World Cup.
Ireland has been ranked as second seeds for the tournament, where they will face fellow European side France in the opening game.
Commenting on the squad selection and tournament, Ireland Coach Mark McDermott said: “As with any competition, the first game is crucial and we will be approaching the tournament one game at a time. Although we lost to France earlier in the season (20 – 13), the side were in control for the majority of the game and were unlucky to lose."
The draw sees them play against two Southern hemisphere sides and McDermott thinks that this is a big plus.
“With the majority of the squad making their first appearance in a World Cup tournament, the chance to play against teams like South Africa and Samoa can only help develop the players further and hopefully they will benefit from playing at the very top level."
The Ireland squad departs for Argentina on Saturday, June 4 and will play their opening match against France in Chacras R.C. on Thursday, June 9 at 3pm (local time).
The Irish Under 21 squad to take part in the IRB Under 21 World Cup in Argentina is as follows:
Forwards: John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), Michael Diffley (Buccaneers), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon), Chris Henry (Malone), Anthnony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Ronan Loughney (Galwegians), Gary Maxwell (Dungannon), Kevin McLaughlin (UCD), Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians), Ross Noonan (UCC), Stuart Philpott (Saracens), Trevor Richardson (Buccaneers)
Backs: Conan Doyle (Garryowen), Gerry Hurley (Garryowen), Paul Hurley (UCC), Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins), Ross McCarron (UCD), Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), Daniel Riordan (Corinthians), Jonathon Sexton (St. Mary’s College), Greg Stafford (Lansdowne), Gareth Steenson (Dungannon), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena), Cillian Willis (UCD).
