The Ireland Under-20 Men's team (sponsored by PwC) faced regular opponents Italy in their final outing of the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.
Contesting the 9th place play-off was not what this young Ireland squad had envisaged, having come into the tournament with high hopes after finishing second in the U-20 Six Nations.
A tight opening defeat to England left Andrew Browne's side playing catch-up, and Argentina proved too strong in round 2, before they got back to winning ways against the USA.
Finishing third in Pool C, Ireland showed their battling qualities to overcome Fiji 24-19 last Monday. Kutaisi's AIA Arena was also the venue for this clash with Italy.
Leinster Academy back rower Josh Neill captained the team in the absence of the injured Sami Bishti and Ben Blaney, while Munster prospect Charlie O'Shea returned at out-half.
