Ireland take on France in Aix-en-Provence on Friday.

The 18-year-old has played in a powerful Ireland U20 midfield alongside Hayden Hyde this year.

The uncertainty surrounding the Olympic Games means that the June repechage tournament for 7s rugby remains under review.

The U20 head coach picked up a personal gong this week, but is quick to deflect praise towards a team who could have easily been celebrating under different circumstances this weekend.

Noel McNamara’s men have every right to expect their match to be called off, but can’t afford to stop preparing to face France.

The 18-year-old had pedigree in football, golf and rugby league before joining Noel McNamara’s squad for the Six Nations.

Noel McNamara’s were in sublime form as they scored six tries in Northampton.

After feeling the full benefit of home support against Scotland and Wales, the Grand Slam winners will put their streak on the line in England.

The Ireland U20 out-half has mental steel as a foundation for his impressive skills.

The open training sessions rarely pass without a marker being laid on one side or the other.

Noel McNamara is keen to prep his side to play without the benefit of a supportive home crowd.

Openside Mark Hernan scored early and late in the first-half to keep Ireland well clear of the Welsh threat.

The Ulster academy 9 took his lead from Aaron Smith after a relatively late start to his rugby path.

Ireland U20 assistant coach Kieran Campbell is bracing his squad for a Welsh backlash.

“Without it, the 20s would be in serious strife”

The out-half’s try was a ‘killer’ for Scotland on the stroke of half-time.

Both sides earned bonus points, but the Cork Con playmaker ensured the defending champions were a cut above.

Noel McNamara has picked five of last year’s crop to start this year’s Six Nations, all in the pack.

The vastly experienced Munster lock is an invaluable source of information for the Waterford man.

Born and raised in Bath, the exciting Connacht back is set to aid Ireland in the U20 Six Nations

The 19-year-old carries experience of last year’s Grand Slam and World Cup campaign in among a new crop of talent.

Noel McNamara’s men were more than boys of summer.

Louis Carbonel held his nerve to settle an exciting final.

Ryan Baird’s try was the stand-out moment as Ireland had to battle from 26 down against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without one hard-hitting back row for Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

New Zealand await Ireland after a last-gasp try swung the match England’s way.

A big bonus point win over Italy would keep semi-final hopes alive, but the Azzurrini will not be easily swatted aside.

Italy twice fought their way to a nine-point lead.

Fullback Iwan Hughes will also head for home as Leinster duo Max O’Reilly and Aaron O’Sullivan are called to Argentina.

There were no shortage of tries to pick from in the opening round of the U20 Championship.

David McCann, Jake Flannery, Stewart Moore, Ben Healy and John Hodnett all crossed as Ireland secured another impressive win over England.

Victory over England was the first giant step towards the U20 Grand Slam, but momentum will have to be built all over again.

The lock is proving to be an expert line-out caller for Noel McNamara’s side.

‘We know we’re not the biggest team, but we’re a smart team.’

Cork plays host to Ireland’s next generation against the might of England tonight.