Irish U-20's Head Coach Richie Murphy has unveiled the Ireland U20s Match Day Squad for their inaugural U20 Six Nations clash against France in Aix-en-Provence on Saturday night.
Evan O’Connell captains the side from the second row. Five players in the Ireland team to face France were part of the 2023 Grand Slam-winning campaign. A backthree of Ben O'Connor, Finn Treacy, and Hugo McLaughlin get the nod from Murphy.
Our Ireland U20s team to face France on Saturday night! 🟢#FutureIsGreen
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 1, 2024
In midfield, Wilhelm de Klerk and Hugh Gavin start as the two centres. In the half-backs, Oliver Coffey partners Jack Murphy at flyhalf. The forward pack boasts strength and skill, with Alex Usanov and Andrew Sparrow flanking Danny Sheahan. Alan Spicer joins Captain O'Connell in the second row.
The side is completed by a backrow of Joe Hopes, Brian Gleeson, and Bryn Ward. On the bench, Henry Walker, Ben Howard, Jacob Boyd, Billy Corrigan, and Luke Murphy are the team's forward options. The backline is supported by Tadhg Brophy, Sean Naughton, and Ethan Graham.
Fans can catch the action live on Virgin Media Two on Saturday. Kick-off is at 9.10 p.m. local time and 8.10 p.m. Irish time
Ireland Team:
15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
14. Finn Treacy (Galwayians RFC/Connacht)
13. Wilhelm de Klerk (UCD RFC/Leinster)
12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
11. Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
10. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
9. Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
1. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
2. Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
3. Andrew Sparrow (UCD RFC/Leinster)
4. Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster)
5. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (captain)
6. Joe Hopes (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
8. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen FC/Munster)
Replacements:
16. Henry Walker (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
17. Ben Howard (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
18. Jacob Boyd (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
19. Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
20. Luke Murphy (Shannon RFC/Munster)
21. Tadhg Brophy (Naas RFC/Leinster)
22. Sean Naughton (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
23. Ethan Graham (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster).
