Felix Jones Backs Ireland U-20s’ Home Matches To Be ‘Electric’
Recently retired Ireland international Felix Jones was on hand today to announce Electric Ireland’s sponsorship of the Ireland Under-20s’ Six Nations home matches. All three games will be played at Donnybrook on the Friday night preceding the Ireland Men’s RBS 6 Nations clashes with Wales, Italy and Scotland.
The Under-20 home series provide a unique opportunity to see Ireland’s up-and-coming talent in action and is an ideal way to introduce the next generation to international rugby.
Felix Jones, who was capped five times for the Ireland Under-20s, was a member of the team that won the Under-20 Grand Slam in 2007 which also included Keith Earls, Darren Cave, Ian Keatley, Sean O’Brien, Tommy O’Donnell and Cian Healy – all of whom have gone on to impress in the senior ranks.
Speaking at the launch, Jones said: “Playing Under-20 rugby for Ireland was a pivotal moment in my career. Not only was it my first experience representing Ireland but the exposure to Six Nations rugby was a great indication of the expected levels of professional rugby and indeed international rugby.
“We have some really exciting players coming through the ranks and these games provide a real opportunity to witness this first hand.”
The former full-back is encouraging rugby supporters to come along to the games, adding: “Having played games here in Donnybrook at many points of my career, I know it can have a fantastic atmosphere.
“With the games taking place under floodlights, the quality of rugby on display and the immaculate surface, that atmosphere should hold true. Like in any sport, home support is important so I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the games.”
Niall Dineen, Head of Commercial at Electric Ireland, said: “Electric Ireland has a long tradition of supporting young people in sport and we look forward to working with the IRFU and helping to promote this year’s home series.
“At Electric Ireland, we believe in ‘smarter living’ and for rugby fans these matches are the smarter choice to experience the Six Nations atmosphere while seeing at first hand the rising stars of Irish rugby.”
The Ireland Under-20s will kick off their campaign against Wales this Friday, followed by a meeting with Italy on Friday, March 11 and the final game against Scotland on Friday, March 18.
IRELAND U-20s Six Nations Fixtures –
IRELAND U-20s v Wales U-20s
Donnybrook Stadium
Friday, February 5, kick-off 7.35pm – Click Here For Tickets
France U-20s v IRELAND U-20s
Parc des Sports et de l’Amitié, Narbonne
Friday, February 12, kick-off 9.05pm local time/8.05pm Irish time
England U-20s v IRELAND U-20s
Kingston Park, Newcastle
Friday, February 26, kick-off 6.05pm
IRELAND U-20s v Italy U-20s
Donnybrook Stadium
Friday, March 11, kick-off 7.35pm – Click Here For Tickets
IRELAND U-20s v Scotland U-20s
Donnybrook Stadium
Friday, March 18, kick-off 7.35pm – Click Here For Tickets