Seven Munster Players Named In Emerging Ireland Squad For Pumas Clash

Emerging Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has named his side to take on The Pumas tomorrow in Bloemfontein (K.O 3pm Irish Time).

There were seven Munster players named in the matchday 23.

Alex Kendellen will captain the side as he is named at openside flanker.

He will be joined in the forward pack by fellow Corkman Mark Donelly who packs down in the front row at loosehead.

Sean O’Brien is named at outside centre while Ben O’Connor is named at full back.

Ronan Foxe, Evan O’Connell and Ethan Coughlan are all named on the bench.

Speaking about taking on the captainship role Kendellen said:

“It means a lot to be honest, not just for me but for my family, my friends back home.

“You’re putting on a green jersey and that doesn’t come around too often. It’s a special moment for all us players in here, and it’s a chance for us lads to put our hands up with the senior coaches here coaching us. It’s a massive opportunity for all of us.

The team will take part in a three match series over the next 10 days against The Pumas, Western Force and The Cheetahs.

All games will be available to stream for free on IrishRugby+ the IRFU’s new streaming platform.

Emerging Ireland:

15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)

14. Rob Russell (Dublin University FC/Leinster)

13. Sean O’Brien (Clontarf FC/Munster)

12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)

11. Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster/Ireland Sevens)

10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)

9. Matthew Devine (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)

1. Mark Donnelly (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)

2. Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)

3. Jack Aungier (Clontarf FC/Connacht)

4. Harry Sheridan (Dublin University FC/Ulster)

5. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)

6. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)

7. Alex Kendellen (UCC RFC/Munster)(captain)

8. James Culhane (UCD RFC/Leinster)

Replacements:

16. Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC/Leinster)

17. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)

18. Ronan Foxe (Garryowen FC/Munster)

19. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)

20. Sean Jansen (Connacht)

21. Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC/Munster)

22. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Ulster)

23. Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh RFC/Ulster).

Emerging Ireland Tour Fixtures:

• Wednesday, 2 October: Emerging Ireland v The Pumas, 4pm local time/3pm Irish time
• Sunday, 6 October: Emerging Ireland v Western Force, 1pm local time/12pm Irish time
• Wednesday, 9 October: Emerging Ireland v The Cheetahs, 7pm local time/6pm Irish time.