IRELAND COACH PETER Malone has named his squad for this summer’s U20 World Championships with injuries to key players meaning six new caps are included.
Cillian Gallagher, Bill Johnston, Jordan Larmour, Johnny McPhillips and Tommy O’Brien have all been ruled out of the tournament but Caelan Doris has proved his fitness in time to be named in the 28-man panel.
Leinster and Lansdowne flanker Paul Boyle captains the side, while U19 players Jordan Duggan, Angus Curtis, David McCarthy, Alan Tynan and Michael Sylvester have been called up to this level for the first time.
Ireland begin their campaign against Italy on 31 May before facing Scotland on 4 June and finishing their Group B campaign against New Zealand four days later.
Malone’s side play their group games in Kutaisi with the knock-out stages taking place in Tbilisi.
“It’s an exciting time for these players, as they will all be experiencing a World Championship for the first time,” Malone said “It’s a great opportunity for them, to go out and pit themselves against their peers from around the world.
“We’ve lost a number of players who were involved during the Six Nations through injury, so it’s very unlucky for those guys not to be involved, but it gives other players the chance to wear the green jersey on the world stage.
“We’re in a really strong pool with Italy and Scotland who made us work really hard for wins during the Six Nations, and then New Zealand who will have a number of players back from last year’s tournament so they will be a huge test for us.”
Ireland U20 squad:
Forwards
Paul Boyle (Lansdowne FC/Leinster) Captain
Charlie Connolly (Dublin University FC/Leinster)
Joey Conway (UL Bohemians RFC/Munster)
Gavin Coombes (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
Peter Cooper (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College RFC/Leinster)
Oisin Dowling (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Jordan Duggan (Naas RFC/Leinster)*
John Foley (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Ronan Kelleher (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Sean Masterson (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
Tadgh McElroy (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Greg McGrath (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Marcus Rea (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
Jack Regan (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
Backs
Angus Curtis (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)*
Conor Dean (UCD RFC/Leinster)*
Ciaran Frawley (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Colm Hogan (Dublin University FC/Munster)
Jack Kelly (Dublin University FC/Leinster)
David McCarthy (Garryowen FC/Munster)*
Gavin Mullin (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)
Jack Stafford (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Jonathan Stewart (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
Michael Silvester (Dublin University FC/Leinster)*
Alan Tynan (Young Munster/Munster)*
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