U21 squad for World Cup named
Coach Mark McDermott will lead his Ireland U21 squad into battle at the World Cup in France next month.
Ireland have been drawn in a group with host France, Argentina and Georgia.
McDermott said: “As with all tournaments, the opening game will be important for us. We were disappointed with some of our results in the Six Nations this year, so this gives us an opportunity to put in a higher level of performance.
"Whereas France have a strong overall game, our other group games against Argentina and Georgia will be a test for our forwards as that is where their traditional strength lies,” he said.
Ireland manager Niall O’Shea said: “We have added some new members to the squad, with David Pollock, David Ryan and Diarmuid Laffan, which we hope will give us further options in the pack.
"The rest of the squad have all been involved at some stage of the season, so with that experience on board we will be looking for a good start.”
The Ireland squad departs for France from the training camp in Portumna on Monday, June 5, and will play the opening match against France in Issoire on Friday, June 9, at 7pm local time.
The Irish U21 squad to compete in the IRB U21 World Cup in Auvergne, France is as follows:
Forwards (14):
Callum Black (Worcester)
Sean Cronin (Shannon)
Paul Doran Jones (Dublin University)
Billy Holland (UCC)
Daragh Hurley (UCC)
Diarmuid Laffan (Blackrock College RFC)
David McGowan (Buccaneers)
Ross Noonan (UCC)
Sean O’Brien (UCD)
Stuart Philpott (Belfast Harlequins) Captain
David Pollock (Queens University)
David Ryan (Highfield)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne)
Dan Tuohy (Hartpury College/Gloucester);
Backs (12):
Fionn Carr (Blackrock College RFC)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins)
Conan Doyle (Garryowen)
Peter Durcan (Galwegians)
Tom Gleeson (Cork Constitution)
Kieran Hallet (Bedford Blues)
Ian Hanley (U.L. Bohemians)
Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch)
Fergus McFadden (UCD)
Jonathon Sexton (St.Mary’s College)
Duncan Williams (UCC)
Matthew Williams (Bristol).
