Munster Makeup A Third Of Irish U20 XV

Munster representatives make up no less than a third of Tom Carolan’s Irish U20 side who aim to keep their 100% record going when they face Wales at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, North Wales on Saturday.

Following a disappointing early head injury which forced him off against France, Calvin Nash again takes on the captaincy responsibilities, voted by his fellow U20 peers. Bill Johnston, who was perfect from the tee two weeks ago against France, predictably keeps his spot, while there are no less than three in the pack for Ireland from the province.

Joey Conway keeps his place in an unchanged front-row, while Bantry’s Fineen Wycherley – who made his Munster Senior debut last weekend in the Welsh capital – comes back into the Irish fold. He’s joined by Young Munster’s Gavin Coombes, making his first start of the tournament having featured from the bench on a number of occasions this year.

Shannon’s Jack Stafford could be in line for his first ever Irish start as he takes a spot on the bench, joined by fellow Munstermen Conor Fitzgerald and Colm Hogan in taking the last three Irish numbers for the game in North Wales.

“The management team are very happy with how the side is progressing and developing so far in the Championship, but there is another big test ahead of us this Saturday in Colwyn Bay.” said Carolan, keen for his side to keep their perfect record thus far, and hopefully leave all three Irish teams in contention for a championship on the final weekend.

“Wales have been going well in the competition, and despite a loss to England, they had a very big win against Scotland in the last round so they will be coming into this game full of confidence.

“We’ve had a good two week build-up to this game and had another good day with the senior side last week, so for us it’s now about getting out there and putting in a performance.”

Ireland U20 vs Wales U20, Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, Saturday 11^th March 2017, 6.30pm (Live on RTE 2 from 6.15pm)
15. Jordan Larmour (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD RFC / Leinster)
13. Jack Kelly (Dublin University / Leinster)
12. Ciaran Frawley (UCD RFC / Leinster)
11. Calvin Nash (Young Munster / Munster) Captain
10. Bill Johnston (Garryowen / Munster)
9. Jonny Stewart (Queen’s University / Ulster)
1. Joey Conway (UL Bohemians / Munster)
2. Tadgh McElroy (Lansdowne FC / Leinster)
3. Charlie Connolly (Dublin University / Leinster)
4. Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster / Munster)
5. Oisin Dowling (Lansdowne FC / Leinster)
6. Gavin Coombes (Young Munster / Munster)
7. Paul Boyle (Lansdowne FC / Leinster)
8. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)

Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (UCD / Leinster)
17. Greg McGrath (Lansdowne / Leinster)*
18. Matthew Burke (Corinthians / Connacht)
19. Jack Regan (UCD RFC / Leinster)
20. Marcus Rea (Queen’s University / Ulster)
21. Jack Stafford (Shannon / Munster)*
22. Conor Fitzgerald (Shannon RFC / Munster)
23. Colm Hogan (Dublin University / Munster)

*Uncapped at Ireland U20 level

Not considered due to injury
Cillian Gallagher
Johnny McPhillips
Jack Lyons
Gavin Mullin
Peter Cooper
Alex McHenry
Robert Lyttle