Ireland, who picked up a sole win in their Six Nations campaign this season, have been ranked as second seeds for the tournament, where they will face fellow European side France in the opening game.

Commenting on the squad selection and tournament, Ireland coach Mark McDermott said: "As with any competition, the first game is crucial and we will be approaching the tournament one game at a time. Although we lost to France earlier in the season (20-13), the side were in control for the majority of the game and were unlucky to lose."

"With the majority of the squad making their first appearance in a World Cup tournament, the chance to play against teams like South Africa and Samoa can only help develop the players further and hopefully they will benefit from playing at the very top level."

The Ireland squad departs for Argentina on Saturday, June 4 and will play their opening match against France in Chacras R.C. on Thursday, June 9 at 7.00pm (Irish time).

The tournament - which runs from June 9 to 25 - will take place at five venues throughout Argentina's Mendoza region, namely Liceo, Chacras, Maristas, Mendoza and the M. Argentinas Stadium.

The Irish squad will play two practice games before their departure for Argentina. The first will take place in Lakelands Park, Terenure College RFC on Saturday, May 21 (3.30pm). The second game will be played in Stradbrook, Blackrock College RFC on Saturday, May 28 (3.30pm).

** The Ireland Under-21 squad to take part in the IRB Under-21 World Cup in Argentina is as follows:

Forwards: John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), Michael Diffley (Buccaneers), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon), Chris Henry (Malone), Anthnony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Ronan Loughney (Galwegians), Gary Maxwell (Dungannon), Kevin McLaughlin (UCD), Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians), Ross Noonan (UCC), Stuart Philpott (Saracens), Trevor Richardson (Buccaneers).

Backs: Conan Doyle (Garryowen), Gerry Hurley (Garryowen), Paul Hurley (UCC), Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins), Ross McCarron (UCD), Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), Daniel Riordan (Corinthians), Jonathon Sexton (St. Mary's College), Greg Stafford (Lansdowne), Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena), Cillian Willis (UCD).

Management:

Coach: Mark McDermott Assistant Coach: Niall Malone Manager: David Haslett Doctor: Eanna Falvey Physiotherapist: Tara O'Meara Masseur: Regina Flanagan Fitness Advisor: Brad Harrington Technical Advisor: Nigel Carolan Video Analyst: George Murray Baggage Master: John O'Hagan

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IRB Under-21 World Cup: Ireland Schedule:

Thursday, June 9: Ireland U-21 v France U-21, Chacras RC, 7.00pm

Monday, June 13: Ireland U-21 v Samoa U-21, Maristas RC, 7.00pm

Friday, June 17: Ireland U-21 v South Africa U-21, Liceo RC, 7.00pm

Seedings (1-12):

New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Wales, France, England, Argentina, Scotland, Italy, Samoa, Canada