ICYMI: Ireland's U20 team to face England

Richie Murphy, the head coach of Ireland, has announced a predominantly unchanged lineup for the opening match of the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa against England on Saturday at 12:30 pm.

The starting team selected by Murphy for the game in Paarl exhibits only two alterations from the squad that faced England during Ireland's victorious Six Nations Grand Slam game in March.

Gus McCarthy from Leinster retains his captaincy, accompanied by George Hadden, a recent addition to Munster, and Paddy McCarthy from Leinster in the front row.

Evan O'Connell joins the team as the second-row player, replacing Diarmuid Mangan, who moves to the back row while Brian Gleeson takes a place on the bench. O'Connell partners with Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the lock position, a player who has been a consistent member of the consecutive Grand Slam-winning teams.

Ruadhan Quinn and James McNabney join Mangan in the back row.

The Ireland U20s Match Day Squad to face England in Paarl! 🟢#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 22, 2023

The half-back partnership of Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast, both from Leinster, continues from the Six Nations, as does the center duo of John Devine and Hugh Cooney.

Andrew Osborne, the brother of Jamie, a member of the Irish senior squad, replaces James Nicholson on the right wing. Hugh Gavin and Henry McErlean complete the back three.

On the bench, hooker Max Clein is poised to make his U20 debut.

Ireland will face their Six Nations rivals, England, in the opening match of Pool B in Paarl, followed by matches against Australia on June 29th and Fiji on July 4th.

The three pool winners and the best runner-up will progress to the semi-finals.

The 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship marks the return of the junior World Cup, the first since 2019.