Centre JJ Hanrahan, out-half Paddy Jackson and scrum half Luke McGrath, who all saw action for the Ireland Under-19 Schools against Australia last month, have been included in a strong Under-18 back-line for the visit of the Italians to Dublin.

Hooker Niall Scannell will start in the front row, having played as a replacement in the U-18 game against the Australians, while flanker Aaron Conneely will be back in the green jersey after impressing in the Ireland Under-19s' recent 15-0 victory over Australia.

Replacements Rory Harrison and Ross Jones also started for the U-19 Schools side against Australia last month. 

Terry McMaster is coaching the Ireland Under-18 Schools squad alongside former internationals Kenny Hooks and Gabriel Fulcher, with Lorcan Balfe the team manager.

IRELAND UNDER-18 SCHOOLS TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Italy Under-18s, International Match, Donnybrook, Saturday, December 19, kick-off 1pm):

15 - Charlie Simpson (Ballymena Academy)
14 - Stephen MacAuley (Clongowes Wood College)
13 - Peter Nelson (Royal School Dungannon)
12 - JJ Hanrahan (Rockwell College)
11 - Sam Coghlan-Murray (Newbridge College)
10 - Paddy Jackson (Methodist College Belfast)
9 - Luke McGrath (St. Michael's College)
1 - Des Merrey (King's Hospital)
2 - Niall Scannell (PBC Cork)
3 - Peter Reilly (Castleknock College)
4 - Shane Buckley (Rockwell College)
5 - Yasin Browne (CBC Cork)
6 - Adam Clarkin (Terenure College)
7 - Aaron Conneely (Colaiste Iognaid)
8 - Daniel Qualter (Sligo Grammar School)

Replacements:

16 - James Rael (Castletroy Community College)
17 - Rory Harrison (Methodist College Belfast)
18 - Kyle McCall (Wallace High School)
19 - Eoghan Cross (Crescent Community College)
20 - Harry Doyle (Royal School Armagh)
21 - Ritchie McMaster (Coleraine Academical Institution)
22 - Ross Jones (Castleknock College)