FORMER CONNACHT WINGER Fionn Carr has been included in the Ireland 7s squad for the first time ahead of next weekend’s Dubai International Invitational tournament.
The 30-year-old was released by the western province at the end of last season but is one of a number of new faces in Anthony Eddy’s panel for the start of the 2016/17 campaign.
With the likes of Leinster quartet Adam Byrne, Barry Daly, Rory O’Loughlin and Tom Daly now capped at provincial level, there is a fresh group of players tasked with building on the momentum from last year.
Carr, who won 110 caps for Connacht during two spells at the Sportsground, is a new addition to the nationals 7s programme, as are Ireland U20 internationals Shane Daly and Jimmy O’Brien.
“With a number of players who were involved with the Ireland Sevens squad last season seeing an increased involvement within their provinces this year there is the opportunity for a new group of players to experience what the game of rugby sevens has to offer,” Eddy said.
“Dubai marks the beginning of the new campaign for us, and while our main programme will begin in the New Year as we look towards the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series, Dubai gives everyone the chance to get out and play in a competitive environment.
“We are in a pool with Germany’s Development side, Zambia and Georgia. This will be a very competitive and challenging pool. It will give us the opportunity to see what stage of development we are at with this group of players.”
Ireland Men’s Sevens squad:
- David Busby – Ballynahinch / Ulster
- Fionn Carr – Naas
- Jordan Conroy – Buccaneers
- Shane Daly – Cork Con / Munster
- Terry Kennedy – St. Mary’s / Leinster
- Conor Lowndes – Galwegians / Connacht
- Harry McNulty – UCD
- Jimmy O’Brien – UCD / Leinster
- Luke O’Dea – Shannon
- John O’Donnell – Lansdowne FC
- Nick Timoney – Queens University / Ulster
- Steve Toal-Lennon – St. Mary’s RFC
Dubai 7s Men’s International Invitational fixtures:
Friday 2 December
- Ireland v Germany Development – 10.00am Irish time
- Ireland v Zambia 7s – 12.20pm (Irish time)
- Ireland v Georgia 7s – 2.20pm (Irish time)
Saturday 3 December
- Play-offs
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