The Ireland Under-19 Men (sponsored by PwC) have home advantage this year for their two-match Easter series against France. Head coach Aiden McNulty has revealed the starting XV for Wednesday's opening clash at Creggs RFC (kick-off 2.30pm).
McNulty's charges, captained from the front row by Belvedere College's Harry Goslin, will play the France Under-20 Development team in Creggs in midweek, before the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Mullingar RFC (kick-off 2.30pm).
There are eight changes to the Ireland team that was edged out by Wales in a warm-up game, beginning with a new back-three made up of Fionn Rowsome, Harry Waters, who was part of Ireland's Under-20 Six Nations squad recently, and Geoff O'Sullivan.
Ards clubman Tom Bell comes in to partner Bernard White in the centre, while there is an all-Ulster pairing at half-back where Owen O'Kane is joined by Belfast Royal Academy's Connor McVicker, who kicked the match-winning penalty for the Ireland U-18 Schools side against South Africa 'A' last August.
Blackrock College prop Ben Guerin, who started the recent drawn Leinster Schools Senior Cup final and the replay, will link up with Joe Christle and Goslin, while Ulster Academy lock Paddy Woods is set for his age-grade international debut, packing down alongside Munster's Jamie Walsh.
The addition of Jonathan Ginnety from Castleknock College to the back row is the final change. He will start alongside Jon Rodgers, who has gained Energia All-Ireland League experience with Ballynahinch, and Shannon's Alex Lautsou, who continues at number 8.
Frankie Óg Sheahan comes onto the bench, fresh from helping PBC Cork to reclaim the Munster Schools Senior Cup title. Paul Neary is also in line for his first Ireland U-19 cap, having played a significant role in the successful cup campaign for St. Mary's College.
Terenure College's Josh Mooney is part of the forward reinforcements for the visit of France, who prepared for the series with a 57-33 win over England. It was one victory apiece between Ireland and France last year, Daniel Ryan's early brace of tries teeing up a 33-24 triumph in La-Roche-sur-Yon.
Blackrock College prop Ben Guerin, who started the recent drawn Leinster Schools Senior Cup final and the replay, will link up with Joe Christle and Goslin, while Ulster Academy lock Paddy Woods is set for his age-grade international debut, packing down alongside Munster's Jamie Walsh.
The addition of Jonathan Ginnety from Castleknock College to the back row is the final change. He will start alongside Jon Rodgers, who has gained Energia All-Ireland League experience with Ballynahinch, and Shannon's Alex Lautsou, who continues at number 8.
Frankie Óg Sheahan comes onto the bench, fresh from helping PBC Cork to reclaim the Munster Schools Senior Cup title. Paul Neary is also in line for his first Ireland U-19 cap, having played a significant role in the successful cup campaign for St. Mary's College.
Terenure College's Josh Mooney is part of the forward reinforcements for the visit of France, who prepared for the series with a 57-33 win over England. It was one victory apiece between Ireland and France last year, Daniel Ryan's early brace of tries teeing up a 33-24 triumph in La-Roche-sur-Yon.