Declan and Robbie have similar pathways to Ireland. Both were born in England and each qualified for Ireland through a parent. While both are qualified to play for England as well as Ireland Robbie is also qualified to play for the USA.

Both players played together for Ireland in the U18's Four Nations and the U19 World Cup in Italy.

Having come up throuh the England system both players chose to play for Ireland quite early on in their careers. Robbie declining a place in an England schools squad in order to sit on the bench as a 17 year old for Ireland U19's. Declan upon leaving school moved across to Belfast to develop his rugby under the guidance of Allen Clarke in Ulster.

Both are looking forward to competing against the best young players in the World and feel they are a part of a great bunch of guys' representing Ireland. Interestingly Robbie, with 5 U21 caps, has not been on a losing U21 side and hopes this record will continue into the World Cup.