9 Munster Players In Emerging Ireland Squad

An Emerging Ireland squad will embark on a three match tour in June where they will face Russia, Uruguay and Romania. Of the nine Munster representatives, seven are uncapped.

Up front, impressive performances in both the Heineken Cup and PRO12 see Paddy Butler, Sean Dougall, Tommy O’Donnell, Dave Foley and John Ryan all win selection, while incoming Munster signing for next season Robin Copeland is also included.

In the backs, healthy competition for the provincial 10 jersey and impressive form from both players sees Ian Keatley and JJ Hanrahan travel alongside Munster wingers Andrew Conway and Johne Murphy.

Emerging Ireland's first game of the tournament takes place on Friday 13th June against Russia. Five days later Emerging Ireland take on Uruguay on Wednesday 18th June with the team's final game of the IRB Nations Cup coming against hosts Romania on Sunday 22nd June.

The squad will be coached by Connacht's Dan McFarland (Head Coach) and Ulster's Neil Doak (Assistant Coach). Speaking about the challenge ahead McFarland commented;

"I am looking forward to working with Neil and this exciting group of players in what will be a highly competitive tournament. It is a great opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and represent their country”

Emerging Ireland Squad

FORWARDS (15)

Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Rodney Ah You (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Michael Bent (Dublin University/Leinster)
Callum Black (Malone/Ulster)*
Paddy Butler (Shannon/Munster)*
Bryan Byrne (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)*
Sean Dougall (Dolphin/ Munster)*
David Foley (UL Bohemians/Munster)*
Mick Kearney (Clontarf/Connacht)*
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) (c)
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
James Tracy (UCD/Leinster)*

BACKS (11)

Michael Allen (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Andrew Conway (Blackrock College/Munster)*
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster)
Eoin Griffin (Galwegians/Connacht)*
JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians/Munster)*
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster)
Brendan Macken (Blackrock College/Leinster)*
Paul Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster)*
Johne Murphy (Young Munster/Munster)*
Noel Reid (Clontarf/Leinster)*

*denotes uncapped player

IRB Nations Cup 2014

Venue: Romania

Match 1:
Emerging Ireland v Russia
Friday 13th June 2014
Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf 19:00

Match 2:
Emerging Ireland v Uruguay
Wednesday 18th June 2014
Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf 19:00

Match 3:
Romania v Emerging Ireland
Sunday 22nd June 2014
Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf 17:00

(all times are local to where the game is being played)