Under-21: Squad Named For Wales Clash

Ireland coach Mark McDermott has named an initial 23-man squad from which he will select his side for Friday’s Under-21 Six Nations clash with Grand Slam hopefuls Wales at the Gnoll, Neath.

McDermott – who watched his young side downed 20-13 by France at Thomond Park last week – will finalise his starting line-up tomorrow.

IRELAND UNDER-21 SQUAD (v Wales U-21):

Forwards:

Michael Diffley (Buccaneers), John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), Eamonn Bracken (Buccaneers), Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians), Robert Quinn (UCC), Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Brett McNamee (Northampton), Chris Henry (Malone), Anthony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon)

Backs:

Denis Hurley (UCC), Daniel Riordan (Corinthians), Kieran Geraghty (London Irish), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena), Greg Stafford (Lansdowne), Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt), Barry Keeshan (Cork Constitution), David O’Leary (UCC), Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch)

Coach: Mark McDermott
Assistant Coach: Brian Walsh
Manager: David Haslett

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Ireland Under-21s’ Six Nations Results:

Italy U-21 21 Ireland U-21 33, Udine
Scotland U-21 16 Ireland U-21 8, Falkirk Community Stadium
Ireland U-21 6 England U-21 28, Donnybrook
Ireland U-21 13 France U-21 20, Thomond Park

Friday’s Fixtures:

Friday, March 18: Italy U-21 v France U-21, Stadio Zaffanella, Viadana, 7.30pm
England U-21 v Scotland U-21, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, 7.45pm