Carolan names Ireland U20 team to face France

Wed, 22 Feb, 2017 - 13:29

Nigel Carolan has named his team for Ireland's U20 game with France on Friday.

Ulster's Rob Lyttle is named at full-back to win his first U20 cap with Jordan Larmour and Calvin Nash flanking him on the wings.

Bill Johnston makes his first start for the side since the U20 World Cup wearing number 10. The Munster man will be partnered by Ulster's Johnny Stewart at 9.

Leinster pair Ciaran Frawley and Tommy O'Brien complete the backline in the centre.

The front row is unchanged with Joey Conway, Tadgh McElroy and Charlie Connolly packing down with Jack Regan and Oisin Dowling supporting them in the second row.

Marcus Rea comes into the team at blindside flanker and he'll join Paul Boyle and Caelan Dorris in the back row.

Four more players in Sean Masterson, Alex McHenry, Jack Lyons and Conor Fitzgerald will be hoping to get their first U20 cap from the bench.

Speaking about the game Carolan stated:

"We've been forced to make a number of changes due to injuries this week, but that gives other players the opportunity to demonstrate what they can offer.

"The players trained with the Senior squad last Friday in Monaghan and they will have taken a lot of positives from that session which they carried into training this week."

Carolan added that while the French won convincingly against Scotland he remained confident.

"The quick surface in Donnybrook, along with playing in front of our home fans, the players are looking forward to getting out there and are looking to put in a good performance."

Ireland U20s Named For France Test #FutureIsGreen #FutureStars https://t.co/CDN3BG6mUj pic.twitter.com/SHvAtG67nf
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2017